Tuesday, August 3 2021

*) Taliban attacks Afghan provincial capitals Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is blaming his country's deteriorating security situation on US and NATO troop withdrawal. Assaults by the Taliban on provincial capitals are intensifying. Thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes amid fears the cities could soon fall into the hands of the insurgents. *) Hot weather hampering firefighting efforts in Turkey Firefighters are still working tirelessly across Turkey to contain wildfires that are threatening towns and cities. One of the worst-hit areas is Mugla, where four massive forest fires are still burning. In Antalya, strong winds, searing temperatures and low humidity are hampering firefighting efforts. *) Sheikh Jarrah families to wait another week for verdict Israel's Supreme Court has failed to deliver a final verdict on the forced expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah. Families must wait for another week to hear the final ruling on their appeal. The case has become an international cause, with millions around the world voicing their support for the affected families. *) Hundreds protest Pakistan lockdown Hundreds of people rallied against the latest coronavirus measures in Pakistan's Karachi. A new lockdown, which began over the weekend, is set to end on Sunday. Authorities say they imposed tougher measures to curb a surge in new infections and fatalities, but demonstrators say their livelihoods are in jeopardy. And finally ... *) Boeing to launch uncrewed test flight to ISS Boeing will attempt an uncrewed spaceflight to the International Space Station on Tuesday. The aviation company's Starliner capsule will launch on an Atlas V rocket built by the United Launch Alliance. If successful, the mission will entail a pick-up and drop off of cargo from the ISS.