Security forces stand outside Slice Bakery in Share-Naw, where one of the rockets hit, damaging a delivery van and injuring several people. Stefanie Glinski for The National
Security forces stand outside Slice Bakery in Share-Naw, where one of the rockets hit, damaging a delivery van and injuring several people. Stefanie Glinski for The National
Security forces stand outside Slice Bakery in Share-Naw, where one of the rockets hit, damaging a delivery van and injuring several people. Stefanie Glinski for The National
Security forces stand outside Slice Bakery in Share-Naw, where one of the rockets hit, damaging a delivery van and injuring several people. Stefanie Glinski for The National
One of the rockets hit Sana Medical Complex's paediatric ward. No one was injured. Stefanie Glinski for The National
One of the rockets hit Sana Medical Complex's paediatric ward. No one was injured. Stefanie Glinski for The National
Security forces stand outside Slice Bakery in Share-Naw, where one of the rockets hit, damaging a delivery van and injuring several people. Stefanie Glinski for The National
Security forces stand outside Slice Bakery in Share-Naw, where one of the rockets hit, damaging a delivery van and injuring several people. Stefanie Glinski for The National
People wait outside Kabul's Emergency Hopsital in Share-Naw where at least 30 injured have been brought. Stefanie Glinski for The National
People wait outside Kabul's Emergency Hopsital in Share-Naw where at least 30 injured have been brought. Stefanie Glinski for The National
Security forces stand outside Slice Bakery in Share-Naw, where one of the rockets hit, damaging a delivery van and injuring several people. Stefanie Glinski for The National
Security forces stand outside Slice Bakery in Share-Naw, where one of the rockets hit, damaging a delivery van and injuring several people. Stefanie Glinski for The National
Afghan security forces cordon off the area of a rocket attack site in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to media reports at least one person was killed and three others were injured as several rockets landed on the Afghann capital. EPA
Afghan security forces cordon off the area of a rocket attack site in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to media reports at least one person was killed and three others were injured as several rockets landed on the Afghann capital. EPA
Security personnel inspect a damaged vehicle which was carrying and shooting rockets, in the aftermath of a rocket attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to media reports at least three people were killed and 11 others were injured as multiple rockets landed on the Afghann capital. EPA
Security personnel inspect a damaged vehicle which was carrying and shooting rockets, in the aftermath of a rocket attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to media reports at least three people were killed and 11 others were injured as multiple rockets landed on the Afghann capital. EPA
Security personnel inspect a damaged vehicle which was carrying and shooting rockets, in the aftermath of a rocket attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to media reports at least three people were killed and 11 others were injured as multiple rockets landed on the Afghann capital. EPA
Security personnel inspect a damaged vehicle which was carrying and shooting rockets, in the aftermath of a rocket attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to media reports at least three people were killed and 11 others were injured as multiple rockets landed on the Afghann capital. EPA
People inspect a damaged house after several rockets land at Khair Khana, north west of Kabul. A series of loud explosions shook central Kabul, including several rockets that landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone where many embassies and international firms are based, officials said. /AFP
People inspect a damaged house after several rockets land at Khair Khana, north west of Kabul. A series of loud explosions shook central Kabul, including several rockets that landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone where many embassies and international firms are based, officials said. /AFP
People gather on a roof of a building in Kabul, Afghanistan in this still image obtained from a video. REUTERS
People gather on a roof of a building in Kabul, Afghanistan in this still image obtained from a video. REUTERS
Men carry an injured person to a hospital after rockets hit residential areas in Kabul, Afghanistan. REUTERS
Men carry an injured person to a hospital after rockets hit residential areas in Kabul, Afghanistan. REUTERS
An injured man is carried to a hospital after rockets hit residential areas in Kabul, Afghanistan. REUTERS
An injured man is carried to a hospital after rockets hit residential areas in Kabul, Afghanistan. REUTERS
A damaged house is seen after several rockets land at Khair Khana, north west of Kabul. A series of loud explosions shook central Kabul on November 21, including several rockets that landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone where many embassies and international firms are based, officials said. AFP
A damaged house is seen after several rockets land at Khair Khana, north west of Kabul. A series of loud explosions shook central Kabul on November 21, including several rockets that landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone where many embassies and international firms are based, officials said. AFP
Residents gather at a site after several rockets land at Khair Khana, north west of Kabul. A series of loud explosions shook central Kabul on November 21, including several rockets that landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone where many embassies and international firms are based, officials said. AFP
Residents gather at a site after several rockets land at Khair Khana, north west of Kabul. A series of loud explosions shook central Kabul on November 21, including several rockets that landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone where many embassies and international firms are based, officials said. AFP
Residents gather at a site after several rockets land at Khair Khana, north west of Kabul. A series of loud explosions shook central Kabul on November 21, including several rockets that landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone where many embassies and international firms are based, officials said. AFP
Residents gather at a site after several rockets land at Khair Khana, north west of Kabul. A series of loud explosions shook central Kabul on November 21, including several rockets that landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone where many embassies and international firms are based, officials said. AFP
People inspect a damaged house after several rockets land at Khair Khana, north west of Kabul. A series of loud explosions shook central Kabul on November 21, including several rockets that landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone where many embassies and international firms are based, officials said. AFP
People inspect a damaged house after several rockets land at Khair Khana, north west of Kabul. A series of loud explosions shook central Kabul on November 21, including several rockets that landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone where many embassies and international firms are based, officials said. AFP
A man inspects a damaged house after several rockets land at Khair Khana, north west of Kabul. A series of loud explosions shook central Kabul on November 21, including several rockets that landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone where many embassies and international firms are based, officials said. AFP
A man inspects a damaged house after several rockets land at Khair Khana, north west of Kabul. A series of loud explosions shook central Kabul on November 21, including several rockets that landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone where many embassies and international firms are based, officials said. AFP
Security personnel inspect a damaged vehicle which was carrying and shooting the rockets, in the aftermath of a rocket attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to media reports at least three people were killed and 11 others were injured as multiple rockets landed on the Afghann capital. EPA
Security personnel inspect a damaged vehicle which was carrying and shooting the rockets, in the aftermath of a rocket attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to media reports at least three people were killed and 11 others were injured as multiple rockets landed on the Afghann capital. EPA
Security personnel inspect a damaged vehicle which was carrying and shooting rockets, in the aftermath of a rocket attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to media reports at least three people were killed and 11 others were injured as multiple rockets landed on the Afghann capital. EPA
Security personnel inspect a damaged vehicle which was carrying and shooting rockets, in the aftermath of a rocket attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to media reports at least three people were killed and 11 others were injured as multiple rockets landed on the Afghann capital. EPA
A security officer inspects a rocket hole in a private building in downtown Kabul, Afghanistan. According to media reports at least one person was killed and three others were injured as several rockets landed on the Afghann capital. EPA
A security officer inspects a rocket hole in a private building in downtown Kabul, Afghanistan. According to media reports at least one person was killed and three others were injured as several rockets landed on the Afghann capital. EPA

Asia

Afghanistan faces its darkest hour since 2001 as US considers pull-out

Wave of violence in the capital raises fears of worse to come if US troops withdraw in May as agreed with the Taliban

Stefanie Glinski

March 03, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Barely a day passes without explosions or targeted attacks in the Afghan capital. Fighting rages in the provinces while peace negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government resumed only on Monday night after long weeks of stalling.

For months now, people in Kabul – and throughout the country – have been living with a newfound but familiar panic. Those who can, leave, wondering what might happen to the heavily US-supported Afghan forces as the May deadline for a full US troop withdrawal looms.

"This is the darkest moment since 2001," said Shaharzad Akbar, chair of Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission, referring to both an uncertain future and the surge in recent threats and attacks.

Whether the US troops actually leave has yet to be decided, but the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) will be a crucial component for a stable future Afghanistan, even though they are not yet well-enough equipped nor financed to protect the country long term.

They are, however, preparing to increase special operations forces to face the Taliban in the upcoming fighting season, according to Deputy Defence Minister Shah Mahmoud Miakhil.

"No area in the country will face the threat of collapse," he said.

Dependent on US support

Since 2001, the US Congress has allocated about $141 billion in funding for reconstruction and for training and equipping security forces in Afghanistan. Several militia units, such as the Khost Protection Force, were specifically trained by the CIA.

Out of the war-torn country’s national annual budget, 36 per cent is set apart for defence costs, although a large chunk is financed by the US and its allies.

To this day, 45 per cent of Afghanistan’s total annual budget comes from external sources, such as foreign aid; while about 48 per cent is comprised of taxes, customs, royalties and other government revenues. A 7 per cent deficit remains.

“The ANDSF will see major hits to their budgets if US support dries up, and that means crippling operational impacts as well,” said Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Programme at the Wilson Centre.

Afghan war – in pictures 

Sergeant Jay Kenney, 26, with the 101st Airborne Division, Task Force Destiny, assists wounded Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers off the Blackhawk UH-60A helicopter after they were rescued in an air mission in Kandahar on December 12, 2010 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Getty Images
Sergeant Jay Kenney, 26, with the 101st Airborne Division, Task Force Destiny, assists wounded Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers off the Blackhawk UH-60A helicopter after they were rescued in an air mission in Kandahar on December 12, 2010 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Getty Images
An Afghan Northern Alliance fighter mans the front line against the Taliban on October 2, 2001 near Jabul os Sarache, 30 miles north of Kabul. Getty Images
An Afghan Northern Alliance fighter mans the front line against the Taliban on October 2, 2001 near Jabul os Sarache, 30 miles north of Kabul. Getty Images
Abdullah Abdullah, chief executive of Afghanistan travelling via helicopter for the final campaign rally in Bamiyan, Afghanistan on September 25, 2019. Afghans will head to the polls on Saturday, September 28th. Getty Images
Abdullah Abdullah, chief executive of Afghanistan travelling via helicopter for the final campaign rally in Bamiyan, Afghanistan on September 25, 2019. Afghans will head to the polls on Saturday, September 28th. Getty Images
Mustafa Tamanna, 10, son of Afghan reporter Zabihullah Tamanna, weeps during the funeral ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan on June 7, 2016. Tamanna was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade fired by the Taliban. Getty Images
Mustafa Tamanna, 10, son of Afghan reporter Zabihullah Tamanna, weeps during the funeral ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan on June 7, 2016. Tamanna was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade fired by the Taliban. Getty Images
Northern Alliance soldiers come back from the front line after a battle near Charatoy town in the north of Afghanistan on October 10, 2001. REUTERS
Northern Alliance soldiers come back from the front line after a battle near Charatoy town in the north of Afghanistan on October 10, 2001. REUTERS
A Northern Alliance fighter throwing rocks as part of a popular national game yards away from a multiple Grad missile launcher in October 12, 2001 in the Salang Gorge in Northern Afghanistan. Getty Images
A Northern Alliance fighter throwing rocks as part of a popular national game yards away from a multiple Grad missile launcher in October 12, 2001 in the Salang Gorge in Northern Afghanistan. Getty Images
A French soldier from the 7th Mountain Regiment, part of the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) stands on a boulder overlooking Kabul during a patrol August 3, 2002 in Afghanistan. The ISAF has been patrolling Kabul since January 2002, working with the government and a new police force to prevent the violence and lawlessness that threatened to engulf the city after a U.S.-led coalition forced the Taliban from power. Getty Images
A French soldier from the 7th Mountain Regiment, part of the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) stands on a boulder overlooking Kabul during a patrol August 3, 2002 in Afghanistan. The ISAF has been patrolling Kabul since January 2002, working with the government and a new police force to prevent the violence and lawlessness that threatened to engulf the city after a U.S.-led coalition forced the Taliban from power. Getty Images
US Marine Sgt. Jerry Brown (L) of Jacksonville, North Carolina watches over a weapons cache found during a patrol near the American military compound at Kandahar Airport in January 16, 2002 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The Marines recovered mortars, rockets, rocket-propelled grenades and artillery rounds discovered in various caches near the base while on the patrol. Getty Images)
US Marine Sgt. Jerry Brown (L) of Jacksonville, North Carolina watches over a weapons cache found during a patrol near the American military compound at Kandahar Airport in January 16, 2002 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The Marines recovered mortars, rockets, rocket-propelled grenades and artillery rounds discovered in various caches near the base while on the patrol. Getty Images)
Members of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry patrol through poppy fields in the village of Markhanai in May 6, 2002 in the Tora Bora valley region of Afghanistan. Getty Images
Members of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry patrol through poppy fields in the village of Markhanai in May 6, 2002 in the Tora Bora valley region of Afghanistan. Getty Images
The United States and Britain on October 7, 2001 launched a first wave of air strikes against Afghanistan. President George W. Bush said the action heralded a "sustained, comprehensive and relentless" campaign against terrorism. REUTERS
The United States and Britain on October 7, 2001 launched a first wave of air strikes against Afghanistan. President George W. Bush said the action heralded a "sustained, comprehensive and relentless" campaign against terrorism. REUTERS
A young Afghan girl eats a piece of bread at the Chaman refugee camp on November 8, 2001 on the Pakistan border with Afghanistan. The UNHCR has estimated that since September 11, 2001 over 135,000 Afghans have crossed the border into Pakistan, adding to the already millions of refugees living in the country. Getty Images
A young Afghan girl eats a piece of bread at the Chaman refugee camp on November 8, 2001 on the Pakistan border with Afghanistan. The UNHCR has estimated that since September 11, 2001 over 135,000 Afghans have crossed the border into Pakistan, adding to the already millions of refugees living in the country. Getty Images
Afghan opposition Northern Alliance soldiers leap over a trench as they return from front line positions after battle near the town of Charatoy in the north of Afghanistan October 10, 2001. REUTERS
Afghan opposition Northern Alliance soldiers leap over a trench as they return from front line positions after battle near the town of Charatoy in the north of Afghanistan October 10, 2001. REUTERS
An Afghan child peeks out from the doorway of his family's home as a US Army soldier from the 101st Airborne stands guard in the eastern Afghan village of Hesarak on July 16, 2002 during what the Army refers to as a 'sensitive site exploitation' mission or 'SSE'. Getty Images
An Afghan child peeks out from the doorway of his family's home as a US Army soldier from the 101st Airborne stands guard in the eastern Afghan village of Hesarak on July 16, 2002 during what the Army refers to as a 'sensitive site exploitation' mission or 'SSE'. Getty Images
Fred Perry, a British Royal Engineer soldier, reads the book "Black Hawk Down" inside his tent after a day of work on January 29, 2002 at the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) barracks at the Kabul airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Getty Images
Fred Perry, a British Royal Engineer soldier, reads the book "Black Hawk Down" inside his tent after a day of work on January 29, 2002 at the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) barracks at the Kabul airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Getty Images
Afghan soldiers (L) speak to a local Afghan, while a medic in the U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, Charlie Company (R) monitors a soldier who has just survived a blast from an improvised explosive device (IED) while driving a vehicle during a mission near Command Outpost Pa'in Kalay, on March 19, 2013 in Kandahar Province, Maiwand District, Afghanistan. Getty Images
Afghan soldiers (L) speak to a local Afghan, while a medic in the U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, Charlie Company (R) monitors a soldier who has just survived a blast from an improvised explosive device (IED) while driving a vehicle during a mission near Command Outpost Pa'in Kalay, on March 19, 2013 in Kandahar Province, Maiwand District, Afghanistan. Getty Images
Marines on a light armored vehicle prepare for patrol as an AH1W "Super Cobra" helicopter flies by on December 28, 2001 at the U.S. Marine Corps Base in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Getty Images
Marines on a light armored vehicle prepare for patrol as an AH1W "Super Cobra" helicopter flies by on December 28, 2001 at the U.S. Marine Corps Base in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Getty Images
A Norwegian ISAF (International Security Assistance Force)soldier from Recce Squadron 3 patrols on October 4, 2004 in Kabul, Afghanistan as election officials get ready for the Presidential elections. Getty Images
A Norwegian ISAF (International Security Assistance Force)soldier from Recce Squadron 3 patrols on October 4, 2004 in Kabul, Afghanistan as election officials get ready for the Presidential elections. Getty Images
Interim Afghan leader Hamid Karzai (L) is greeted by a group of Afghan military officers on his arrival to Kandahar airbase on May 04, 2002 in Southern Afghanistan. Getty Images
Interim Afghan leader Hamid Karzai (L) is greeted by a group of Afghan military officers on his arrival to Kandahar airbase on May 04, 2002 in Southern Afghanistan. Getty Images
Soldiers in the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division wade though a creek to avoid buried insurgent bombs while on patrol October 16, 2010 in Zhari district west of Kandahar, Afghanistan. Getty Images
Soldiers in the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division wade though a creek to avoid buried insurgent bombs while on patrol October 16, 2010 in Zhari district west of Kandahar, Afghanistan. Getty Images
British commandos descend from a mountain observation post overlooking the beginning of the Helmand River at the Kajaki hydroelectric dam on March 13, 2007 in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province. Getty Images
British commandos descend from a mountain observation post overlooking the beginning of the Helmand River at the Kajaki hydroelectric dam on March 13, 2007 in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province. Getty Images
101st Airbornes 1st Sgt. Kerry Black from Westmoreland, Tennessee uses an Afghan child's sling shot on February 6, 2002 as children crowd around him while he patrols on the outskirts of Kandahar, Afghanistan. Getty Images
101st Airbornes 1st Sgt. Kerry Black from Westmoreland, Tennessee uses an Afghan child's sling shot on February 6, 2002 as children crowd around him while he patrols on the outskirts of Kandahar, Afghanistan. Getty Images
Marine Cpl. Jonathan Eckert of Oak Lawn, IL attached to India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment works his improvised explosive device (IED) sniffing dog Bee as they secure a compound during a patrol near Forward Operating Base (FOB) Zeebrugge on October 11, 2010 in Kajaki, Afghanistan. Getty Images
Marine Cpl. Jonathan Eckert of Oak Lawn, IL attached to India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment works his improvised explosive device (IED) sniffing dog Bee as they secure a compound during a patrol near Forward Operating Base (FOB) Zeebrugge on October 11, 2010 in Kajaki, Afghanistan. Getty Images
Afghan refugees walk across the border into Pakistan on October 11, 2001 as they leave Afghanistan at the Chaman crossing point on the 4th day of U.S.-led air strikes against the ruling Taliban and terrorist networks in the country. Getty Images
Afghan refugees walk across the border into Pakistan on October 11, 2001 as they leave Afghanistan at the Chaman crossing point on the 4th day of U.S.-led air strikes against the ruling Taliban and terrorist networks in the country. Getty Images
Anti-Taliban Afghan fighters watch several explosions from U.S. bombings in the Tora Bora mountains in Afghanistan on December 16, 2001.
Anti-Taliban Afghan fighters watch several explosions from U.S. bombings in the Tora Bora mountains in Afghanistan on December 16, 2001.
British Marines run under fire from the Taliban during a morning operation on March 18, 2007 near Kajaki in the Afghan province of Helmand. Getty Images
British Marines run under fire from the Taliban during a morning operation on March 18, 2007 near Kajaki in the Afghan province of Helmand. Getty Images
Afghan Army troops prepare to board a British chinook helicopter from their base at Shorabak on March 12, 2007 in Southern Helmand province, Afghanistan. Getty Images
Afghan Army troops prepare to board a British chinook helicopter from their base at Shorabak on March 12, 2007 in Southern Helmand province, Afghanistan. Getty Images
British Marine Joe Harvey from Stafford, England (R), watches as British forces come under fire by Taliban insurgents on March 18, 2007 near Kajaki in the Afghan province of Helmand. Getty Images
British Marine Joe Harvey from Stafford, England (R), watches as British forces come under fire by Taliban insurgents on March 18, 2007 near Kajaki in the Afghan province of Helmand. Getty Images
U.S. Army 101st Airborne 3-187 "Bravo" company soliders pass through a corn field while conducting a sensitive site exploitation (SSE) mission July 23, 2002 near the town of Narizah in Southeastern Afghanistan. Getty Images
U.S. Army 101st Airborne 3-187 "Bravo" company soliders pass through a corn field while conducting a sensitive site exploitation (SSE) mission July 23, 2002 near the town of Narizah in Southeastern Afghanistan. Getty Images
Scouts from 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), pull overwatch during Operation Destined Strike while 2nd Platoon, Able Company searches a village below the Chowkay Valley in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on August 22, 2006. US Army
Scouts from 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), pull overwatch during Operation Destined Strike while 2nd Platoon, Able Company searches a village below the Chowkay Valley in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on August 22, 2006. US Army

“US funding cuts to Afghan security forces would have major impacts across the board on their ability to fight, and at a moment when the Taliban’s insurgency has never been stronger.

"This is why one of the most important unknowns at this point is whether a US troop pull-out would also entail turning off the aid spigot. The former would be highly damaging for the security situation, but the latter could be downright catastrophic,” Mr Kugelman said.

Afghanistan's army disintegrated once before, under former president Mohammad Najibullah after declining financial and technical support from the Soviet Union after they withdrew in 1989, although the current ANDSF is stronger, and better built.

Defence Ministry spokesman Jawad Aman is optimistic. "Nato has committed to continue to provide funding to Afghan security forces through 2024," he told The National.

“The Afghan National Army is independently conducting all ground operations and more than 95 per cent of air strikes. They have the capability to fight terrorist threats and protect the country independently.”

Corruption in the ranks

Almost 20 years of US and Nato partnership certainly strengthened the ANDSF, but the forces continue to struggle and corruption is widespread.

Camp Scorpion, one of the US bases outside Kabul, was left to Afghan commandos last September, but days later, lorries and other vehicles left behind at the base were already missing, sold off or stolen, an Afghan officer said.

Afghanistan's air force – still dependent on US contractors – is poorly equipped, a recent report by the lead inspector general for Operation Freedom's Sentinel said. Almost 94 per cent of Nato's train advise assist command-air personnel has left the country, paralysing the mission to further train new pilots and service aircraft. "No airframe can be sustained as combat effective for more than a few months," the report said.

Afghan forces largely rely on air support for attacks and to deliver supplies and transport casualties in the mountainous country.

"The Americans made our lives very easy," an Afghan officer who worked directly with the US said. "We now carry the responsibility. It is very hard."

Throughout the country, Afghanistan’s security forces are trying to hang on.

Agha Wali, 21, a shaggy-haired national police officer, who fights at the frontline in Kandahar’s Panjwayi district, admits to being tired. “But we can’t give up now,” he said. “We’ve seen many of our friends and colleagues killed. We need to keep fighting for peace.”

Shafiqullah Khogyani, 28, an army officer stationed in the eastern Kunar province, is more optimistic. “The Afghan national army is strong,” he said. “We’re already fighting the enemy without US support and we will prevail, even if it might be difficult.”

For the approximately $200 he makes a month, he says he will "defend the country for as long as I'm alive". He feels betrayed by the Americans nonetheless. "They are turning their backs on us," he said.

The future is uncertain.

An Afghan security officer keeps watch at the site of a blast in Kabul, Afghanistan on December 15, 2020. REUTERS
An Afghan security officer keeps watch at the site of a blast in Kabul, Afghanistan on December 15, 2020. REUTERS
Afghan police arrive at the site of a bomb attack in Kabul on December 15, 2020. AP
Afghan police arrive at the site of a bomb attack in Kabul on December 15, 2020. AP
People stand around a car damaged in a bomb attack on the street in Kabul, Afghanistan December 15, Tamana Ashna via REUTERS
People stand around a car damaged in a bomb attack on the street in Kabul, Afghanistan December 15, Tamana Ashna via REUTERS
Afghan municipality workers clean the remains of a vehicle after a bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, December 13, 2020. AP
Afghan municipality workers clean the remains of a vehicle after a bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, December 13, 2020. AP
An Afghan security member inspects a damaged vehicle after a bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, December 13, 2020. AP
An Afghan security member inspects a damaged vehicle after a bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, December 13, 2020. AP
An Afghan security member inspects a damaged vehicle after a bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, December 13, 2020. AP
An Afghan security member inspects a damaged vehicle after a bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, December 13, 2020. AP
An Afghan boy look at the broken glass at the site of a rocket attack at a residential house in Kabul on December 12. EPA
An Afghan boy look at the broken glass at the site of a rocket attack at a residential house in Kabul on December 12. EPA
A shrapnel hole in a glass at the site of a rocket attack at a residential house in Kabul, Afghanistan December 12, 2020. EPA
A shrapnel hole in a glass at the site of a rocket attack at a residential house in Kabul, Afghanistan December 12, 2020. EPA
Afghan children look at the broken glass at the site of a rocket attack at a residential house in Kabul, December 12, 2020. EPA
Afghan children look at the broken glass at the site of a rocket attack at a residential house in Kabul, December 12, 2020. EPA
An Afghan man look at the site of a rocket attack at a residential house in Kabul on December 12, 2020. EPA
An Afghan man look at the site of a rocket attack at a residential house in Kabul on December 12, 2020. EPA
Afghan men gather at the site of a rocket attack at a residential house in Kabul, Afghanistan December 12, 2020. EPA
Afghan men gather at the site of a rocket attack at a residential house in Kabul, Afghanistan December 12, 2020. EPA

A no-win situation

“Let’s be clear: if US forces remain beyond May 1 without getting the Taliban to agree to an extension, it’ll be back to the drawing board at the worst possible moment,” Mr Kugelman said.

“The most responsible option is to try for a troop withdrawal extension, and if you don’t get it, start planning for a full pull-out on May 1. Tragically, no matter what the US does, the Afghan people will lose out the most.”

Afghanistan is liable to slip into civil war if left alone, according to former Afghan government adviser Torek Farhadi.

Warlords and local militias have been arming throughout the country, leading many to fear a similar scenario to the 1992-1996 civil war. ISIS recently published a video calling on Taliban fighters to switch sides, announcing plans for further attacks throughout Afghanistan.

“Nobody knows how the world will evolve,” Mr Farhadi said.

“One thing is sure though: many in the US have realised the Americans have overstayed and overspent in Afghanistan. On both sides of the political spectrum, the majority agree that the longest war must be brought to an end.”

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Tomorrow 2021
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015

- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

While you're here
What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

Company%20profile
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On Women's Day
Whiile you're here
Saudi National Day
While you're here
The specs: 2018 Jeep Compass

Price, base: Dh100,000 (estimate)

Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic

Power: 184bhp at 6,400rpm

Torque: 237Nm at 3,900rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 9.4L / 100km

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

While you're here
Crisis in Lebanon
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
PROFILE OF SWVL

Started: April 2017

Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport

Size: 450 employees

Investment: approximately $80 million

Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20specs
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How to increase your savings
  • Have a plan for your savings.
  • Decide on your emergency fund target and once that's achieved, assign your savings to another financial goal such as saving for a house or investing for retirement.
  • Decide on a financial goal that is important to you and put your savings to work for you.
  • It's important to have a purpose for your savings as it helps to keep you motivated to continue while also reducing the temptation to spend your savings. 

- Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

 

 

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More from Firas Maksad
Types of bank fraud

1) Phishing

Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.

2) Smishing

The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.

3) Vishing

The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.

4) SIM swap

Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.

5) Identity theft

Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.

6) Prize scams

Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.

RESULT

Uruguay 3 Russia 0
Uruguay: Suárez (10'), Cheryshev (23' og), Cavani (90')
Russia: Smolnikov (Red card: 36')

Man of the match: Diego Godin (Uruguay)

WIDE%20VIEW
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Anti-semitic attacks
The annual report by the Community Security Trust, which advises the Jewish community on security , warned on Thursday that anti-Semitic incidents in Britain had reached a record high.

It found there had been 2,255 anti-Semitic incidents reported in 2021, a rise of 34 per cent from the previous year.

The report detailed the convictions of a number of people for anti-Semitic crimes, including one man who was jailed for setting up a neo-Nazi group which had encouraged “the eradication of Jewish people” and another who had posted anti-Semitic homemade videos on social media. 

While you're here
Biog

Age: 50

Known as the UAE’s strongest man

Favourite dish: “Everything and sea food”

Hobbies: Drawing, basketball and poetry

Favourite car: Any classic car

Favourite superhero: The Hulk original

The schedule

December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club

December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq

December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm

December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition

December 13: Falcon beauty competition

December 14 and 20: Saluki races

December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm

December 16 - 19: Falconry competition

December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am

December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am

December 22: The best herd of 30 camels

Tomorrow 2021
On Women's Day
Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

On Women's Day
HIV on the rise in the region

A 2019 United Nations special analysis on Aids reveals 37 per cent of new HIV infections in the Mena region are from people injecting drugs.

New HIV infections have also risen by 29 per cent in western Europe and Asia, and by 7 per cent in Latin America, but declined elsewhere.

Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.

Access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the region is well below the global average.  

Few statistics have been published on the number of cases in the UAE, although a UNAIDS report said 1.5 per cent of the prison population has the virus.

AfghanistanCentral Asia