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Iraq-Syria border attack

A convoy belonging to Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces has reportedly been hit by airstrikes near the Iraq-Syria border. Media reports show the attack took place near the town al-Bukamal in Syria’s eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr. Three vehicles, carrying infrared monitoring equipment, were reportedly targeted during the airstrikes. The monitoring equipment is used to prevent infiltration by Daesh terrorists. Some reports indicate that the attack was carried out by the United States. The U-S military, however, denied any involvement. Back in February, the Pentagon conducted airstrikes against resistance forces in the same area.

Taliban ethnic policy

In an exclusive interview with Press TV, a senior Taliban spokesperson says the group will refrain from a policy of isolationism and make efforts to engage with the world. Suhail Shaheen said the group is now focused on rebuilding Afghanistan, adding that to do so, the Taliban count on international aid. The spokesman noted that there is no war currently going on in Panjshir Valley, where there was a resistance against the group. He stressed that the Taliban preferred to resolve the issue of Panjshir through talks but had no choice to resort to a military operation when negotiations failed. Shaheen also rejected the allegations that the Taliban received assistance from Pakistan in their fight in Panjshir. On the issue of the caretaker government, the spokesperson said the group stands by its commitment to form an inclusive government.

Shaheen further said the group would have no discrimination against any ethnic group in Afghanistan. He stated that the Taliban respect women's rights within Islamic law, adding that they have the right to education and work. The Taliban official also noted that the group no longer sees itself as fighters but rather servants of people.

Chokehold controversy

The US justice department restricts the use of chokeholds by federal law enforcement agents and warrants for their unannounced entries into premises. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the curbs as a confidence-building measure aimed at improving law enforcement safety and accountability. The use of chokeholds and so-called no-knock entries were at the core of several highly controversial cases of police killing, targeting African Americans. Among them was the 2014 death of Eric Garner in New York and that of George Floyd, who died in May 2020 after a Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck for several minutes. In March 2020, Breonna Taylor was killed in a botched police raid on her apartment in Louisville, Kentucky.

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