Fall of Afghan army left US officials “surprised”

Published

4 years ago

September 29, 2021

A top US General has warned Al-Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan could threaten the US in as little as 12 months

General Mark Milley says the Taliban had not broken ties with the group responsible for the September 11 attacks, and remain a terror organisation.

It follows ongoing questioning, alongside Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin after the recent withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

The Afghan Government has since collapsed, and the Taliban has rapidly moved through the country.

FILE PHOTO: Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s deputy leader and negotiator, and other delegation members attend the Afghan peace conference in Moscow, Russia March 18, 2021. Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

The US has now moved towards initiating counter-terrorism missions

It follows a suicide attack outside Kabul’s major airport, which killed 182 people, including 13 US service personnel.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says the Afghan army’s sudden collapse caught the Pentagon off-guard.

U.S. @SecDef Lloyd Austin has told #Congress that the Afghan army's sudden collapse caught the Pentagon "by surprise" – warning an #AlQaeda threat is likely to come… | @VeronicaDudo pic.twitter.com/heCPgkj1ju
— ticker NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) September 28, 2021

Gold prices surge as Central Banks buy big, but risks grow ahead

Gold prices surge as central banks increase demand; risks include a stronger dollar and rising interest rates.

Published

1 day ago

November 25, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Gold prices surge as central banks increase demand; risks include a stronger dollar and rising interest rates.

Gold prices are climbing fast as central banks ramp up buying, pushing demand to its highest levels in years. The metal’s reputation as a safe haven is strengthening, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions and global financial uncertainty.

But experts warn the shine could fade. A stronger US dollar and the possibility of rising interest rates may weigh on momentum, making investors question how long the rally can last.

Dr Steven Enticott from CIA Tax breaks down the drivers behind gold’s surge—from ETF inflows to physical bar demand—and what could send the price sharply higher… or lower.

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News

U.S. and Ukraine advance new peace plan amid rising tensions

U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators progress in Geneva on a peace plan amid Russian strikes and geopolitical tensions.

Published

1 day ago

November 25, 2025

Harvey Vargas

U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators progress in Geneva on a peace plan amid Russian strikes and geopolitical tensions.

U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have made meaningful progress in Geneva, shaping an updated peace plan despite continued Russian strikes and growing geopolitical pressure. The talks represent one of the most significant diplomatic pushes in months as both nations work to narrow the remaining gaps in the framework.

While the proposal is being hailed as a breakthrough by some, leaders in Kyiv and parts of Europe fear it may tilt in Russia’s favour. Sensitive issues, security guarantees, and the controversial details of a leaked U.S. draft are now fuelling debate on both sides of the Atlantic.

With U.S. senators divided and European leaders deeply involved, the next steps will determine whether this framework becomes a workable path to peace or sparks further tension.

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#USPolitics
#PeaceTalks
#RussiaUkraine
#Geopolitics
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News

Trump And Xi hold rare call to discuss Taiwan and global tensions

Trump and Xi’s rare call reignites focus on Taiwan, highlighting U.S.-China tensions and strategic priorities.

Published

1 day ago

November 25, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Trump and Xi’s rare call reignites focus on Taiwan, highlighting U.S.-China tensions and strategic priorities.

A rare high-level call between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping has reignited global attention on Taiwan and broader geopolitical tensions. The conversation marked the first direct exchange in months between the two leaders.

Xi placed Taiwan at the centre of the call, underscoring its significance to China’s national strategy. The Chinese leader reaffirmed Beijing’s long-held position that Taiwan’s path back to the mainland is essential for international stability.

The discussion sets the stage for potential shifts in U.S.–China relations as both countries reassess their strategic priorities.

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#Trump #XiJinping #Taiwan #ChinaUSRelations #Geopolitics #InternationalAffairs #GlobalTensions #TickerNews