The Taliban have been encroaching on key cities for months as the Biden administration weighs whether to withdraw U.S. troops supporting Afghanistan’s beleaguered army and security forces. For the U.S., it’s a no-win situation: If it pulls out, the insurgents could take control of major cities, but if troops stay, the Taliban could renew attacks.
Our correspondent visited Panjwai, above, a district that neighbors Kandahar city, where the ranks of the police force have thinned so much that injured officers are forced to keep working.
Here’s what else is happening
Australian Parliament r*** case: Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s party came under criticism for the way it handled accusations of r*** in the Parliament building from a former government staff member, who said she was assaulted after she had fallen asleep on a couch in the defense minister’s office.
Japan recovery: The economy rebounded sharply in the last three months of 2020, government data showed Monday, extending its recovery from the coronavirus’s devastating impact in the first half of the year. Analysts warned that the growth was fragile and could be easily disrupted, at least in the short term.
The New York Times
