News

Why ISIS-K is Taliban’s biggest threat

Published

4 years ago

August 27, 2021

There have been twin bomb attacks and mass shootings at Kabul’s major international airport as thousands flee following the Taliban takeover

Following the attacks near the Kabul airport Thursday local time, Pentagon officials claimed that ISIS, and the terror network claimed responsibility.

Who are they?

The Islamic State Khorasan Province, or ISIS-K, is an enemy of Taliban.

ISIS-K is a terrorist organisation that is responsible for numerous deadly attacks in Afghanistan.

What’s their aim?

The group is an affiliate of the Islamic State group that ripped through Iraq and Syria from 2014.

ISIS-K’s objective is to set up the province of Khorasan to be a part of Islamic State’s so-called global caliphate.

Why do Taliban see them as a threat?

“ISIS-K is a sworn enemy of the Taliban, and they have a history of fighting one another,” US President Joe Biden said on Sunday.

Doctor John Coyne, who’s the head of strategic policing and law enforcement at ASPI says the attacks seen at Kabul airport “was a cowardly attack by #ISIS, attacking unarmed civilians who are already desperate and scared”

“It was obviously reasonably well planned and synchronised, which shows the capability of ISIS came this.”

So what does ISIS-k have to gain with terrorist attacks? and what has the Taliban’s reaction been?

Doctor John Coyne from ASPI ON WHO ISIS-K IS

Coyne’s understanding is that ISIS-K have actually gone through and claimed this attack, which is not really surprising.

“So interesting enough as the Taliban approached, there’s some interesting allegations coming out that as they freed prisoners from couple jail, freeing their own fighters, they also executed a number of ISK members,” he told ticker news.

Coyne says Taliban is trying to legitimately form a government.

“And I think, whilst they may despise the US government, they very much and want to take control and have this end as quickly as possible, they very much understand that it’s not in their long term interest to have terrorist attacks.”

He says that further tragedy only encourages future interference in the Taliban’s country.

“So from that perspective, I think the Taliban are cooperating as quickly as possible. They’ve set a hard date to get this over and done with and they don’t want to terror attacks, they just want the Americans out as quickly as possible. Of course, we’re, you know, our fingers crossed that this can come down in some degree, but we have no idea. If that’s taking place.”

Can we expect more attacks?

We know the US and the White House have already made comment that they’re on red alert for more attacks.

https://twitter.com/tickerNEWSco/status/1431007888575709188

Coyne notes that what tech showed the world, is that ISIS have a capability to recon and plan attacks, and reasonably sophisticated attacks.

“They’ve got an intent to appear on the world stage. And at the moment, the biggest target on the world stage is Kabul airport, all eyes of the globe are sitting there watching that tragedy unfold.”

“So of course, it’s a pressure cooker environment, and there’s a high risk of further attacks.”

Coyne says Taliban are going to have to fight other warlords who continue to maintain pair remote areas across Afghanistan, and they’re also going to have to fight the likes of ISIS-K.

“And they’re going to have to reconcile what they will do with the future about Al Qaeda.”

News

Australian beef industry warns of major export losses under new China tariff

Published

3 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Harvey Vargas

China slaps 55% tariff on Australian beef as trade and geopolitical tensions rise

China has imposed a 55% tariff on Australian beef imports that exceed quota limits, a move that threatens more than $1 billion in annual trade and has reignited tensions between Canberra and Beijing. The restrictions, effective from January 1 for three years, cap Australia’s beef quota at 205,000 tonnes—below the volume China imported in 2024—prompting industry claims the decision undermines the spirit of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

Calm fears

Beef producers warn the impact could be severe, with exports to China potentially falling by as much as one-third compared to 2025 levels. Industry groups say the move advantages rival exporters, with Brazil and Argentina receiving far larger quotas, raising concerns Australia could permanently lose market share in a key global market. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sought to calm fears, saying Australia is not being singled out and describing the beef sector as the strongest it has ever been.

The tariff decision comes against the backdrop of growing geopolitical strain, days after Australia criticised China’s “Justice Mission 2025” military drills near Taiwan as destabilising. Opposition figures are urging the government to leverage diplomatic ties with President Xi Jinping to ensure Australia is not swept up in broader trade retaliation, as industry calls mount for urgent talks to stabilise relations.

News

Five global escapes executives are booking for 2026

Published

2 days ago

December 31, 2025

Ahron Young

Where to switch off, reset and travel well for a week

For executives in their 40s, travel has shifted. It is less about ticking off sights and more about space, comfort and coming back sharper than when you left.

In 2026, the most appealing one-week holidays are destinations that combine calm, quality and a sense of being ahead of the curve.

For executives, switching off from work is essential, but true rest comes from being gently engaged rather than completely idle.

The most rewarding breaks offer just enough stimulation, culture, nature or conversation, to quiet the mind without replacing one form of busyness with another.

Here are five global locations quietly rising to the top of travel wish lists.

East Coast Barbados

Barbados has long been associated with polished beach holidays, but the east coast offers something different.

Wild Atlantic surf, boutique retreats and fewer crowds create a slower rhythm that suits travellers who want proper rest without sacrificing style.

Days are spent between long coastal walks, ocean-facing spas and unhurried dinners, with just enough local culture to keep things interesting.

Barbados: Book a holiday package (flights + hotel) to Barbados here.

Phu Quoc

Vietnam’s largest island is emerging as a refined alternative to more established Asian beach destinations.

Phu Quoc blends thoughtful luxury with a grounded, local feel. Resorts are discreet rather than flashy, wellness is taken seriously, and the pace encourages doing very little very well.

It is an easy week of warm water swims, exceptional food and genuine mental downtime.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam: Find holiday packages and deals for Phu Quoc here.

Peloponnese

For travellers who want culture without crowds, the Peloponnese is becoming Greece’s most compelling region.

Ancient ruins sit alongside olive groves, quiet beaches and wellness-focused resorts designed for long lunches and early nights.

It offers the Mediterranean experience executives love, without the intensity of Santorini or Mykonos.

Peloponnese, Greece: Browse and book Peloponnese holiday packages with flights and hotels here.

The Red Sea

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is one of the most ambitious luxury travel projects in the world.

Opening progressively through 2025 and 2026, it promises adults-focused resorts built around sustainability, privacy and high-end wellness.

For those seeking something genuinely new, this is a destination that feels exclusive, restorative and future-facing.

Red Sea Coast (gateway for Red Sea resorts): Book a Red Sea Coast holiday package (flight + hotel) here.

Margaret River

Margaret River continues to refine its appeal for travellers who value space and quality. World-class wineries, dramatic coastline and understated luxury accommodation make it ideal for a reset without jet lag.

It is a reminder that a great week away does not need excess. It needs good food, good wine and room to breathe.

In 2026, the best holidays for executives are not about escape in the dramatic sense. They are about intention. A change of pace, fewer decisions, and environments designed to help you slow down properly. These destinations understand that luxury is not about doing more, but about feeling better when you return.

Margaret River, Western Australia: Find Margaret River holiday packages (accommodation + flight) here.

News

Iran’s currency collapse sparks mass protests as inflation spirals

Iran president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges

Published

2 days ago

December 31, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Iran’s president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges

In Short:
– Iranian President Pezeshkian urged action to meet protesters’ demands amid economic crisis and currency devaluation.
– Protests intensified with shop closures in Tehran, following significant inflation and political unrest after Mahsa Amini’s death.

Iran is grappling with its most severe economic crisis in years. Mass protests erupted across Tehran following the dramatic collapse of the national currency. The rial plunged to 1.42 million against the U.S. dollar over the weekend, briefly recovering to 1.38 million. This marks a loss of more than two-thirds of its value since 2022.

Annual inflation soared to 42.2 percent in December, with food prices up 72 percent year-on-year. Many Iranians are struggling to make ends meet, fueling public anger and unrest.

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered his government to engage directly with protest representatives. Calling the demonstrations “legitimate,” he emphasized the need for reforms in the monetary and banking sectors. Officials announced a dialogue framework to hear the voices of demonstrators.

The unrest coincided with the resignation of Central Bank Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin. Former Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati is set to replace him, signaling possible shifts in economic policy.

Tehran’s commercial districts were paralyzed as shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar and major streets closed businesses in solidarity. Videos on social media showed crowds chanting slogans as security forces used tear gas to disperse them.

International pressure is also rising. U.S. officials warned they would support action against Iran if the country resumes nuclear or missile development, following recent airstrikes on Iranian facilities.

The World Bank forecasts Iran’s GDP will contract 1.7 percent in 2025 and 2.8 percent in 2026, deepening economic concerns. How the government responds to these protests and reforms its economy may shape the country’s stability in the months ahead.