UN chief, envoys in key talks on Afghanistan crisis

12 Sept 00:01 Key points summarised by AI

UN chief Antonio Guterres convenes international envoys in Doha to address Afghanistan's escalating crisis and strategize ways to influence the Taliban rulers, who are notably absent from the discussions.
The talks aim to reinvigorate international engagement on Afghanistan's future, focusing on critical issues like humanitarian aid, women's rights, counter-terrorism, and drug trafficking, with any recognition of the Taliban explicitly ruled out.
The UN confronts a significant dilemma: maintaining its vital aid operations in Afghanistan despite the Taliban's restrictive policies, particularly the ban on women working for aid agencies, which severely hampers humanitarian efforts.
The international community, including the UN Security Council, condemns the Taliban's curbs on women and girls, underscoring the imperative for the UN to sustain its crucial presence and operations within the country.

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.