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By Estelle EMONET and AFP Afghanistan staff Two years since the Taliban stormed back to power in Afghanistan after 20 years of war against the United States and its allies, life has changed dramatically for many Afghans, particularly women. Ahead of the August 15 anniversary of the fall of Kabul, four Afghans — a businesswoman determined to keep her factory open, a farmer relieved by the war’s end, a former Taliban fighter proud to serve […]
Iraqi merchant Mohamed has never seen such a grim tourist season: years of drought have shrunken the majestic Lake Habbaniyah, keeping away the holidaymakers who once flocked there during summer. “The last two years, there was some activity, but now there’s no more water,” said 35-year-old Mohamed, asking to be identified by his first name only. He laid out inflatable water floats, nets and shirts in front of his lakeside shop, but expected few if […]
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for a “drastic boost” in missile production during visits to key weapons factories, state media said Monday, as South Korea and the United States prepared for joint drills next week. The tour of the plants from Friday to Saturday came after Kim called for stepping up war preparations at a key military meeting last week. Kim’s two-day inspections included visits to factories producing tactical missiles, large-calibre control multiple […]
LAHAINA, United States, Aug 13, 2023 (AFP) – The death toll in Hawaii from the deadliest US wildfire in more than a century was expected to cross the 100-mark Sunday, fueling criticism that an inadequate official response contributed to the heavy loss of life. Officials updated the toll to 93 late Saturday, but warned the figure was likely to rise as recovery crews with cadaver dogs continued the grim task of searching burned out homes […]
TOKYO, Aug 13, 2023 (AFP) – Japanese authorities on Sunday warned residents in much of the country to prepare for a strong, slow-moving typhoon set to hit during the peak summer travel week. Typhoon Lan is on course to make landfall Tuesday on Japan’s main island of Honshu, bringing heavy rain and violent gusts, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. Some areas may see as much as 50 centimetres (20 inches) of rain in 24 hours […]
BEIJING, Aug 13, 2023 (AFP) – The death toll from a landslide triggered by heavy rains in northern China has risen sharply to at least 21, authorities said on Sunday, with six others missing. China has faced deadly floods and historic rainfall in recent weeks, with dozens killed in storms in the northern part of the country. “Twenty-one people were found dead so far, and six others are still missing,” the Xi’an emergency management bureau […]
WASHINGTON, Aug 12, 2023 (AFP) – Elon Musk said Friday that his much-hyped cage fight with Mark Zuckerberg would take place in Italy, as authorities there confirmed talks about hosting a “great charity event.” While any showdown between the two tech titans has yet to be officially confirmed, Musk said on his X social media platform — formerly known as Twitter — that arrangements were advancing. “I spoke to the PM of Italy and Minister […]
TAIPEI, Aug 12, 2023 (AFP) – Taiwan’s Vice President William Lai flies to the United States on Saturday in a sensitive trip that has angered Chinese officials. The democratic island is claimed by China, which has vowed to take the territory one day — by force, if necessary — and has ramped up political and military pressure. It opposes other countries’ official exchanges with Taiwan, and often reacts angrily to Taiwanese leaders’ stopovers in the […]
WASHINGTON, Aug 11, 2023 (AFP) – The US Justice Department on Friday escalated its investigation into President Joe Biden’s son Hunter, naming a special counsel amid allegations of tax fraud and illicit overseas business deals. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed prosecutor David Weiss, who has been investigating Hunter Biden since 2019 on low-level tax and gun charges. The announcement came just as Weiss told the federal court in Delaware that a plea deal struck with […]
LILLE, France, Aug 12, 2023 (AFP) – Six people were killed when a boat carrying migrants heading to Britain sank in the Channel early Saturday, French maritime officials said, as a search continued to find those still missing. A spokeswoman from the French coastal authority Premar said between five and 10 passengers were still missing, while 55 had been rescued. Three French ships, a helicopter and a plane have been mobilised to search the area […]
PARIS, Aug 12, 2023 (AFP) – A security alert Saturday prompted the evacuation of three floors of the Eiffel Tower in central Paris, France’s most emblematic symbol which drew 6.2 million visitors last year. SETE, the body which runs the site, said bomb disposal experts as well as police were scouring the area, including a restaurant located on one of the floors. “It’s a usual procedure in this kind of situation which however is rare,” […]
LAHAINA, United States, Aug 12, 2023 (AFP) – Hawaii’s chief legal officer said Friday she was opening a probe into the handling of devastating wildfires that killed at least 80 people in the state this week, as criticism grows of the official response. The announcement and increased death toll came as residents of Lahaina were allowed back into the town for the first time — with most finding their homes reduced to ashes, and even […]
