Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Last US troops depart Afghanistan, ending America’s longest war, and Jon Stewart heads back to TV in September with a deep dive show *) US military finishes withdrawal from Afghanistan The US has completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan, ending America’s longest war and leaving behind a socially fractured and economically depressed country that's now under the control of the Taliban. The withdrawal of American troops closes a chapter in military history likely to be remembered for colossal failures, and unfulfilled promises. The completion of withdrawal comes as Washington faces criticism after a US drone strike killed ten civilians, including children, in Kabul. Taliban, which staged a lightning-swift takeover this month, on Tuesday were celebrating the withdrawal of the last US troops with gunfire. *) Syria regime shelling kills civilian in Daraa after talks collapse Syrian regime forces have shelled opposition-held parts of a volatile southern city of Daraa, killing at least one person. The attack on the flashpoint city comes as rebels killed four regime soldiers after Russia-backed talks to end the presence of opposition fighters in the area collapsed. Daraa became known as the cradle of the uprising against Syria's Bashar al Assad that erupted in 2011. *) Ida inflicts ‘catastrophic’ destruction on Louisiana Rescuers comb through the catastrophic damage Hurricane Ida did to Louisiana. The fierce storm has killed at least two people, stranded others in rising floodwaters and sheared the roofs off homes. Ida knocked out power for all of New Orleans, with more than a million properties across Louisiana without power. *) At least six Palestinians injured in live fire near Gaza border At least six Palestinians have been injured by the Israeli military which used live fire and gas bombs to push protesters away from the Gaza border fence. Hundreds of Palestinians demonstrated along the border, calling for an end to the 14-year Israeli-led blockade of the small coastal enclave. Some protesters b