Biden: Afghan chaos 'gut wrenching' but stands by withdrawal

13 Sept 10:30 Key points summarised by AI

President Biden defended his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, despite acknowledging the "gut wrenching" chaos and the Taliban's unexpectedly swift takeover.
Biden attributed the rapid collapse primarily to the Afghan military and leadership's failure to resist, stating that while "the buck stops with me," Afghans failed to fight.
Desperate scenes unfolded at Kabul airport as thousands of Afghans attempted to flee, leading to casualties and significant challenges for the U.S. evacuation efforts.
The crisis sparked international doubts about America's commitments to allies and drew sharp domestic criticism, potentially impacting Biden's political standing.

Sihasak urges Thais in Europe to stay alert as protests spread

Yesterday 12:06 Key points summarised by AI

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow advises Thai nationals in Europe to avoid protest areas and reconsider non-essential travel, citing widespread unrest in countries like France, Italy, and Spain.
The warning comes as demonstrations escalate, with some turning violent, prompting concerns for safety and leading to an emergency Cabinet meeting in Italy and a proposed postponement of diplomatic talks.
Thai embassies and the Department of Consular Affairs issue advisories, urging citizens to monitor local developments, follow official announcements, and register their travel details for assistance, while emphasizing that no Thais have been directly affected yet.