
Day one: Afghanistan with no foreign forces, in Taliban rule after 20 years
India Today
A morning of uncertainty, fear, celebrations. Kabul woke up numb with the reality that the Taliban have returned to Afghanistan after 20 years of war.
A morning of uncertainty, fear, celebrations. Kabul woke up numb with the reality that the Taliban have returned to Afghanistan after 20 years of war. The Taliban and its supporters started celebrations the moment the last American soldier boarded the C-17 aircraft which took off from Kabul airport before the clock struck 12 on the night of August 30. The morning was a witness to the first fear that of finances. There were long queues outside banks and ATM kiosks to withdraw money, ensuring that they are not penniless and without resources to buy money, should the financial system break down.
Oil and gas refineries and hubs are up in flames not just in the Middle East, but also in Russia and the US. Crude oil prices have surged over $100 a barrel. With the energy infrastructure in the Middle East likely to take years to be rebuilt, the world could be set for the biggest oil disruption in history.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the United States was in contact with "the right people" in Iran and suggested that Tehran was eager to reach an agreement to halt hostilities. "We're in negotiations right now," he told reporters, without offering further details on the scope or format of the talks.











