Page 1263 – Texas Weekly Online

Afghanistan is a US election issue. Will its refugees’ voices be heard?

Washington, DC – Nasrin will not be able to vote in the United States elections in November. Still, the 27-year-old has a message for the presidential candidates, on behalf of Afghans like herself who fled as the US withdrew its troops from Afghanistan in August 2021. “I really want them to hear us, especially to hear those voices that worked for the US,” Nasrin, who asked to use a pseudonym, told Al Jazeera. Friday marks three years since the last American soldiers left Afghanistan, ending a two-decade military presence that began with the toppling of the Taliban government in 2001. But the chaotic nature of the military withdrawal — and the swift reestablishment of Taliban rule — have cast a long shadow over US politics. A source of ongoing bipartisan criticism, the withdrawal has become a prominent talking point in the 2024 presidential race, with Democrats and Republicans exchanging blame for the lives lost during the troops’ departure. But Afghans like Nasrin say there is an important perspective lost in the election-year sparring: theirs. “This election is not only important for America. It’s also important for Afghans,” said Nasrin, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. “For Afghans who immigrated here and for Afghans in Afghanistan … especially the women, this election will have a huge impact.” A 2021 protest in Los Angeles called for an ‘open door’ policy for Afghan evacuees and expedited processing of immigration cases [File: Ringo HW Chiu/Reuters] Two parties, one controversy What happened in 2021 is a story that embroils the central players in this year’s presidential race. In 2020, the administration of Republican President Donald Trump reached a controversial agreement with the Taliban to withdraw all US forces from Afghanistan within 14 months. A few months later, Trump lost his bid for re-election. His successor, Democratic President Joe Biden, oversaw a mad-dash evacuation of US citizens, coalition allies and tens of thousands of vulnerable Afghans as the deadline loomed. By August 2021, the Taliban had swept across the country in a lightning offensive, reclaiming its former power. Its forces entered the Afghan capital Kabul on August 15. The last US plane flew out of the city on August 30. In those final days, a bomb attack killed about 170 Afghans hoping to enter the airport, as well as 13 members of the US military. Government investigators have blamed the administrations of both Biden and Trump for the chaotic situation: Trump for reaching an agreement seen as favouring the Taliban and Biden for moving forward with the plan without putting in safeguards to stop the Taliban. Trump has also faced criticism for limiting the pathways for Afghans to escape to the US. He is now, once again, the Republican candidate for president. Meanwhile, Biden’s vice president, Kamala Harris, is heading the Democratic ticket. A lingering failure But advocates say both parties must still confront an enduring dilemma: how to protect the hundreds of thousands of Afghans who fear repression under the Taliban. Many who were left behind are considered likely targets for the Taliban, especially if they worked for the US military or the US-backed government. Even among those who were evacuated, many have been left in perpetual uncertainty, with no clear path to US residency or citizenship. Others have found the legal pathways to the US too narrow and have sought more dangerous routes to enter the country. For her part, Nasrin said she worked as an interpreter for the US embassy in Kabul. After fleeing, she was able to become a US resident through a “Special Immigrant Visa” (SIV) programme designated for Afghans who worked for the US government. Another evacuee, who asked to be identified only as Nazanin, fled Kabul on an evacuation flight with her 16-year-old sister following the Taliban’s rise. She has since been granted asylum in the US, but she said she sees only broken promises from both parties as many other Afghans both in the US and in Afghanistan have been left in the lurch. “I don’t think Afghan voices are being heard by politicians,” she told Al Jazeera. “My message to the presidential candidates is that you do not represent the majority of the refugee society or Americans that I know or see their perspective on social media platforms and that your false promises are noted.” Inadequate immigration pathways Arash Azizzada — the executive director of Afghans for a Better Tomorrow, an advocacy group — said members of the Afghan community in the US, like him, feel a “sense of anger and disappointment” this election season “when we look at both candidates”. “We are feeling pretty invisible this election season,” he added. Azizzada’s group has spent the last three years pushing for more immigration pathways for those fleeing the Taliban, including an increase in special visas for Afghans who worked directly with the US and pathways to permanent residency for other evacuees. But little progress has been made, Azizzada explained. “It has been the hallmark of Biden’s presidency to consider anything related to Afghanistan radioactive,” Azizzada said. “And Democrats have gone through this election season with barely any mention of Afghanistan or the Afghan people.” That includes not mentioning the 160,000 Afghans who have been successfully relocated to the US since the withdrawal, something Azizzada argues could be framed as a victory for Democrats. The Biden administration has upscaled the processing of Special Immigrant Visa applications, which had all but ground to a halt under Trump. Still, as of March, 60,230 applicants had submitted all the required paperwork and were awaiting initial approval to move ahead with the process, according to the US State Department. Another 75,000 were also in the process of applying. The administration has also increased refugee processing for Afghans, with 11,168 refugees admitted so far in fiscal year 2024. That is up from approximately 6,500 admitted in fiscal year 2023 and just over 1,600 in the immediate wake of the withdrawal, in fiscal year 2022. Critics nevertheless say legal pathways

Typhoon Shanshan winds cause havoc at Japan’s Fukuoka Airport

NewsFeed Video shows how strong winds brought by Typhoon Shanshan forced several airplanes to abort landings at Japan’s Fukuoka Airport. Several people have died as a result of storms and millions of people have been ordered to leave their homes. Published On 30 Aug 202430 Aug 2024 Adblock test (Why?)

Israeli forces inflict major damage in occupied West Bank

NewsFeed Much of Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank has reportedly lost water access due to an Israeli military assault that has inflicted widespread damage over several days in Palestinian cities. Published On 30 Aug 202430 Aug 2024 Adblock test (Why?)

Pro-lifers blast Trump ‘betrayal’ with shifting abortion stance, answer on Florida Amendment 4

Former President Donald Trump’s latest comments on abortion, including his opposition to Florida’s ban on abortions after six weeks’ gestation, have sparked backlash from pro-life advocates on social media. “Trump has destroyed both the conservative movement and the pro-life movement. He’s done what even Barack Obama couldn’t do,” one user on X said. Former Vice President Mike Pence also posted to X, saying, “I’m pro-life. I don’t apologize for it.” HARRIS REPEATS DEBUNKED CLAIM TRUMP WANTS TO ‘BAN’ ABORTION DURING FIRST CAMPAIGN RALLY SINCE BIDEN QUIT RACE Georgia-based nationally syndicated radio host Erick Erickson also slammed Trump’s comments, saying on X, “Instead of having all the focus on the Kamala Harris interview tonight, Trump decided to further divide the GOP. Not a good strategy for winning.” Other users expressed anger over Trump’s “betrayal” of the pro-life movement, which helped elect him in 2016. “If Pro-lifers had a spine and punished Trump for his betrayal by staying home in November, he would lose so badly that no Republican would ever dare to betray you on such an important issue,” one X user said. “Sadly, he knows most of you will still vote for him so the betrayals will intensify.” Online political influencer and former police officer John Cardillo said he would be voting for Trump, but would “criticize him when he promotes Democrat policies.” “I don’t care how you spin it. Trump told NBC he’s voting for a Soros funded unrestricted abortion amendment in FL,” he wrote on X. JD VANCE VOWS TRUMP WOULD NOT IMPOSE FEDERAL ABORTION BAN, VETO IT IF IT COMES ACROSS HIS DESK A spokesperson for Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — who unsuccessfully challenged Trump in the 2024 primaries and who signed the ban into law — also responded to Trump’s indication that he may vote in favor of Amendment 4, which would enshrine a constitutional right to abortion in Florida. “Donald Trump has consistently stated that late-term abortions where a baby can feel pain should never be permitted, and he’s always stood up for parents’ rights. Amendment 4 would allow late-term abortions, eliminate parental consent, and open the door to taxpayer-funded abortions,” Taryn Fenske said on X. “It’s extreme and must be defeated.” Conservative commentator David Limbaugh, brother of the late conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, said he “wholeheartedly” supports Trump, but that he “needs some ardent pro-lifers in his campaign-advisory inner circle.” REP. MAXINE WATERS DODGES QUESTION ON CONTROVERSIAL ABORTION PROCEDURE “Unforced errors are worse than run of the mill errors. Appeasement strategies that alienate more supporters than impress non-supporters are just plain disappointing,” he said on X. Last week, Trump also upset anti-abortion activists when he posted on his Truth Social platform, “My Administration will be great for women and their reproductive rights.” He has also indicated he would not restrict access to abortion prescriptions. This election cycle, Trump has countered Democratic attacks by stating he would leave abortion access to the states, as determined by the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and opposes a federal abortion ban. The Republican Party also abandoned its long-standing position of advocating for abortion limits in July. However, Trump has remained opposed to late-term abortions. On Thursday, Trump also said he would subsidize federal IVF treatments, despite saying abortion would be considered a state issue. The Trump campaign did not directly respond to what constitutes a state issue versus a federal one when asked via email. TRUMP RISKS LOSING SOME PRO-LIFE VOTERS UNLESS HE CHANGES ‘HIS TUNE’ ON ABORTION, ACTIVIST WARNS “I think the six-week is too short, there has to be more time,” Trump told an NBC News reporter when asked how he will vote on Florida’s Amendment 4 that will appear on the ballot for November elections. “I’ve told them that I want more weeks,” he continued. The reporter then pressed if Trump would vote in favor of the amendment. “I am going to be voting that we need more than six weeks. Look, just so you understand, everybody wanted Roe v. Wade terminated for years, 52 years. I got it done. They wanted it to go back to the states. Exceptions are very important for me, for Ronald Reagan, for others that have navigated this very, very interesting and difficult path,” Trump responded. The Trump campaign told Fox News Digital on Thursday evening that the 45th president has not yet revealed how he will vote on Amendment 4. “President Trump has not yet said how he will vote on the ballot initiative in Florida, he simply reiterated that he believes six weeks is too short,” Trump campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton contributed to this report.

Shocking video: Liftman sneaks into house through lift in Noida, retreats after alarm turns on immediately

In this alarming video, we dive into the recent security scare at a Greater Noida residential society where CCTV cameras captured a series of unsuccessful theft attempts.

Harris lacked confidence, presidential demeanor in first TV interview: body language expert

A body language expert who analyzed Vice President Kamala Harris’ first interview with the media since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee tells Fox News Digital that she believes Harris was “not confident in what she’s saying” and lacked a presidential demeanor. The vice president sat down alongside running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz Thursday night for a CNN interview after largely avoiding the press since ascending to the top of the Democratic ticket, yet she appeared to frequently look down while responding to questions. “When I look at her overall demeanor, she does not carry the confidence or the presidential appearance in her demeanor to command in her position,” body language expert Susan Constantine told Fox News Digital. “So for everything that I saw last night, she definitely needs to make some tweaks into her body language to appear more confident.” “The fact that she’s looking down a lot removes a lot of the fluidity and the authenticity,” she added. TOP 5 MOMENTS FROM KAMALA HARRIS’ FIRST INTERVIEW AS DEMOCRAT NOMINEE Near the beginning of the interview, Harris was asked twice about her “day one” agenda but gave overarching answers instead of responding with a specific executive order or directive. “When she struggles, you start to see a lot of the head bobbling. You know, the head bobbling is ‘what part of the file in my subconscious am I going to pull out? Which ones are my answers?’” Constantine said about Harris. “She couldn’t come up with a crystal clear answer, and that’s why she tends to bobble.” “When you bobble and waffle like that,” Constantine continued, “that’s another signal that she’s not really… prepared. She doesn’t really have confidence in her own answers.” “When you’re breaking gaze, that is a form of deflection,” Constantine also said. “So when you’re removing an eye gaze, not making good eye contact, it’s just showing me that she’s not confident in what she’s saying.” CONGRESSMAN SAYS HARRIS INTERVIEW PROVES WHY AMERICANS HAVE ‘TRUST ISSUE’ WITH VP, HITS CNN FOR NO FOLLOW-UPS Harris sat next to Walz during the interview in Savannah, Georgia, and Constantine said Harris was “consistently looking for acknowledgment” during the event. “She is looking for that signal from Walz to see if he’s on board. Many times when we see him, he’s got the pressed lips — that tends to be a more serious, more collected, expression in his mouth,” she said. The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital about Harris’ performance in the interview. “Overall, you know, as one woman to another, I would say if you’re going to be a woman in power, you have to look like a woman in power,” Constantine said. “And she doesn’t at this time.” Fox News’ Emmett Jones, Emma Colton and Matteo Cina contributed to this report.

Biden, who skipped Arlington event for vacation, trashed Trump in June for declining cemetery visit

President Biden remained on vacation with no remarks or events scheduled on the third anniversary of the Kabul airport attack, just weeks after bashing former President Donald Trump for previously canceling a World War I memorial visit. During his presidency, Trump canceled a planned visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in 2018 citing bad flying weather for Marine One, with the Atlantic reporting that the trip was called off due to the rain affecting his hair. Biden made a visit to the cemetery in France in June and took a dig at Trump for the past report – which Trump and several members of his administration who were on the trip have since refuted. “I was honored to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and pay my respects to those buried there. Those who served our country are heroes—not losers,” Biden posted on X in June, along with a video compilation of people bashing Trump. This past Monday marked three years since 13 American service members were killed in a suicide bombing attack during the withdrawal from Afghanistan, while Biden stayed away from the White House for the second week in a row. TRUMP ‘RESPECTFULLY’ HONORED FALLEN TROOPS AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY AMID ALTERCATION REPORT: VETERAN “During the anniversary of the Afghanistan withdrawal, amidst an ongoing migrant and economic crisis, President Biden continues to do what he does best – NOTHING!” Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., said in a post on X. GOLD STAR MOM REVEALS WHAT TRUMP TOLD HER ON THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF SON’S DEATH IN AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz, said that Biden’s absence “should tell you everything you need to know.” “Three years ago, Biden-Harris’s disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal caused the deaths of 13 U.S. service members. President Trump attended the ceremony in their honor at Arlington Cemetery today,” Biggs posted on X. “Biden is on vacation.” One Gold Star father, Mark Schmitz, told Fox News Digital that they were “not surprised in the least bit that neither one of them would show up for this event.” The White House released a statement on the anniversary, but Biden did not attend any memorial ceremonies, according to his public schedule. “Three years ago, an ISIS suicide bomber launched an attack of deliberate evil at Abbey Gate outside of Kabul Airport—killing 13 American service members and more than 100 innocent Afghans. Today, and every day, we honor our fallen,” a statement from Biden read. The president’s beach stay is his second vacation this month after spending the week of the Democratic National Convention in Santa Barbara, California. The White House National Security Council communications adviser was pressed on whether a paper statement was “enough” for the anniversary. “Neither going to Arlington nor any individual paper statement is ever going to be enough to repay these families and to try and make sure they know they are supported,” John Kirby told CNN. Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery on the anniversary to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate the service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan. Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and the Trump campaign were also joined by members of the Gold Star families during a call with reporters on Monday afternoon. Fox News’ Brooke Singman contributed to this report.

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