Op-Ed: Twenty years on, reflections on Sept 11

14 Sept 00:26 Key points summarised by AI

The 20th anniversary of Sept 11 is profoundly saddened by the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan, highlighting the ultimate failure of the two-decade US intervention to build a stable nation and secure enduring peace.
The US invasion of Afghanistan, initially a response to the Sept 11 attacks, is now viewed as a flawed decision that failed to win local support, leaving behind corrupt governments and abandoned military resources.
Despite the elimination of Osama Bin Laden, the roots of terrorism persist, with former extremist leaders now holding power within the Taliban, sparking international fears of renewed attacks and regional instability, particularly in Southeast Asia.
The international community faces a critical challenge: it must avoid isolating the Taliban, instead providing humanitarian and economic assistance while coordinating efforts to influence the new Afghan government and prevent the country from becoming a renewed hub for extremists.

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.