The US military on Tuesday said that more than 95 per cent of its withdrawal from Afghanistan has been completed, a day after the commanding general of US and Nato forces officially stepped down.
Since President Joe Biden in April announced his decision to end America's longest war, the Pentagon's Central Command (Centcom) has removed the equivalent of about 1,000 C-17 cargo planes filled with equipment while leaving behind thousands of tonnes of unwanted gear and junk in Afghanistan.
“The US has officially handed over seven facilities to the Afghan Ministry of Defence. The withdrawal process continues; US Central Command estimates that we have completed more than 95 per cent of the entire withdrawal process,” Centcom said in a statement.
Centcom described the withdrawal process as “orderly and responsible” but many Afghans have been stunned at its rapid pace — well before the September 11 deadline initially set by Mr Biden — even as the Taliban notch up battlefield gains and capture wide bands of territory from an under-resourced and exhausted Afghan military.
Few western diplomats hold out hope the Afghan security forces can stand for long on their own against the resurgent Taliban, though the US has vowed to support Afghan troops from overseas.
On Monday, Gen Austin “Scott” Miller relinquished command at a ceremony at the Resolute Support headquarters in Kabul's Green Zone. He handed command over to Centcom head Gen Kenneth McKenzie, who will oversee remaining operations from a US-based headquarters.
The US pullout from Afghanistan was first negotiated under then-president Donald Trump, whose administration last year signed a deal with the Taliban in which the insurgents agreed to stop attacking Americans as long as they left this year.
But Republicans have nonetheless hammered Mr Biden on his withdrawal plan, saying it abandons Afghans and imperils the fragile social gains made in the country over the past 20 years.
"Our reckless rush for the exits is becoming a global embarrassment," Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said on Tuesday, warning of the "alarming pace" of Taliban victories and the likelihood that Al Qaeda will be able to reconstitute under the protection of the hardliners.
“Ending our presence in Afghanistan will not end the terrorists' war against us. Sadly, the opposite may be true. This self-inflicted wound could very well make this struggle even more difficult and dangerous."
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Pathaan
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Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
The biog
Alwyn Stephen says much of his success is a result of taking an educated chance on business decisions.
His advice to anyone starting out in business is to have no fear as life is about taking on challenges.
“If you have the ambition and dream of something, follow that dream, be positive, determined and set goals.
"Nothing and no-one can stop you from succeeding with the right work application, and a little bit of luck along the way.”
Mr Stephen sells his luxury fragrances at selected perfumeries around the UAE, including the House of Niche Boutique in Al Seef.
He relaxes by spending time with his family at home, and enjoying his wife’s India cooking.
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