Thursday, September 2, 2021

*) Chaotic US withdrawal likely to 'collapse' Afghanistan's economy The US credit rating agency Fitch says the economy of Afghanistan is on the edge of collapse two weeks after the Taliban captured Kabul. Afghanistan has about 10 billion dollars in funds but the group is unlikely to get access to them. Thousands in Kabul were queuing outside banks to withdraw cash, which led the Taliban to impose weekly limits on withdrawals. Food prices have gone up by 50 percent while fuel prices increased by 75 percent. *) Syrian regime, Russian forces agree to ceasefire in Daraa A Russian-brokered ceasefire has come into force in Daraa province in southwestern Syria. Regime forces have been attempting to retake control of the opposition-held area. Daraa is part of a de-escalation zone, but armed groups and regime forces are accusing each other of thwarting ceasefire efforts. *) Kashmiri resistance leader Syed Ali Geelani dies at 92 Kashmiri pro-freedom icon Syed Ali Geelani has been buried in a tightly controlled pre-dawn ceremony. This comes as Indian authorities imposed a harsh lockdown across the troubled Himalayan region. The uncompromising campaigner against Indian rule in Kashmir died late on Wednesday at the age of 92 following a long illness. Geelani, the most outspoken critic of India who spent some 15 years in jail or under house arrest, had wanted to be buried at the Martyrs Cemetery in Srinagar. But Indian authorities rejected that request. *) Afghanistan's first cricket match greenlit since Taliban takeover The Taliban has approved Afghanistan's first cricket Test since its takeover, raising hopes that international matches will continue as usual under their rule. During its first stint in power, the Taliban banned most forms of entertainment - including many sports. The Test match, to be played in Hobart from November 27-December 1, was scheduled for last year but was put off due to the Covid-19 pandemic and international travel restrictions. And finally... *) Cristiano scores 111th goal to