Lessons from Washington’s 20-year mission in Afghanistan

13 Sept 14:06 Key points summarised by AI

**Military Intervention's Limitations**: The 20-year, US$3 trillion mission demonstrated that military force alone struggles to yield constructive, lasting results in complex foreign lands, as evidenced by the rapid Taliban resurgence post-withdrawal.
**Importance of Local Support**: True success hinges on winning the "hearts and minds" of diverse local populations, a challenge unmet in Afghanistan's landscape of internal conflicts and warlords.
**Fragile Progress Post-Withdrawal**: Despite training, the swift collapse of Afghan forces and the Taliban's rapid territorial gains highlighted the fragility of progress and the potential for regression in human rights and democratic advancements.
**Shifting US Policy**: President Biden's emphasis on ending the mission without nation-building reflects a re-evaluation of US foreign policy, prioritizing domestic concerns and other geopolitical targets over long-term engagements in distant conflicts.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Yesterday 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.