Taliban stronger than ever a year after takeover

13 Sept 06:23 Key points summarised by AI

A year post-takeover, the Taliban have solidified their military power, deploying thousands of fighters to suppress the National Resistance Front (NRF) in the historically defiant Panjshir Valley.
While the NRF poses a conventional military threat in Panjshir, the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) conducts bombings and suicide attacks primarily against soft civilian targets, not directly engaging the Taliban.
Western threats have diminished, but the US drone strike that killed Al-Qaeda's chief in Kabul exposed the Taliban leadership's vulnerability to advanced external military action.
Despite Taliban control and widespread fear, the NRF claims ongoing resistance, with analysts suggesting that increased IS-K activity could erode Taliban legitimacy and potentially bolster the NRF in the long term.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.