World

Biden's approval ratings haven't recovered since the U.S. withdrawal in Afghanistan

5:43pm August 15, 2022

by Franco Ordoñez

The bungled withdrawal from Afghanistan was a turning point for Biden's presidency, marking the end of his popularity and the start of a difficult political year.

World News

Ukrainians express worries over conscription following Russia's invasion

4:46pm August 15, 2022

by Ashley Westerman

After Russia's invasion, Ukraine announced martial law in February and issued a travel ban, so most men couldn't leave the country. Many have since felt trapped and worry they'll be drafted to fight.

World News

After a year of Taliban rule, many Afghans are struggling to survive

4:29pm August 15, 2022

by Diaa Hadid

On Monday, the Taliban marked the first anniversary since they retook power in Afghanistan. Taliban security forces celebrated in Kabul. But many Afghans stayed home — and are struggling to survive.

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Mursalin Mohammadi, 34, said he lost two brothers in the war.

World News

Afghans in a battle-scarred valley welcomed Taliban rule, but expect more

3:36pm August 15, 2022

In rural Wardak province, some Afghans celebrated the return of the Taliban. One year later, here's what they want from the new government.

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A priest prays for unidentified civilians killed by Russian troops in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Aug. 11. Eleven unidentified bodies exhumed from a mass grave were buried in Bucha that day.

Russia-Ukraine war: A weekly recap and look ahead (Aug. 15)

12:13pm August 15, 2022

by NPR Staff

Catch up on key developments and the latest in-depth coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Kabul is awash in men and boys on rickety bicycles, because they can no longer afford the price of a bus ticket or a taxi.

World News

A year on, the Taliban savor victory, while other Afghans pay the price

6:17am August 15, 2022

For the first time in decades, Afghans are living in relative peace. But with sanctions on the Taliban, the economy is in shambles and hunger is widespread. Girls are still out of school.

Iran denies involvement but justifies Salman Rushdie attack

5:27am August 15, 2022

by The Associated Press

An Iranian government spokesperson added that Iran did not "have any other information more than what the American media has reported."

The Kabul airport was a chaotic mess in the weeks leading up the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan as Afghans tried to flee the country.

For Biden, the chaotic withdrawal from Kabul was a turning point in his presidency

5:00am August 15, 2022

by Franco Ordoñez

President Biden was elected on a promise of competency. The bungled exit from Afghanistan undercut that image. His approval ratings took a big hit, and have never recovered.

U.S. Democrat Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, left, and Democratic House member John Garamendi of California, second left, back, arrive with their wives at the parliament building in Taipei, on Aug. 15, 2022.

China announces new drills around Taiwan as a U.S. delegation visits the island

4:53am August 15, 2022

by The Associated Press

The visit comes less than two weeks after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, which prompted days of threatening military exercises by China.

The self-proclaimed Islamic emirate now controls government compounds, universities and other institutions surrounded by blast walls—concrete structures once built to keep out the Taliban, along with bombers from other extremist groups.

These photos show who is (and isn't) included in the Taliban's Afghanistan

6:12pm August 14, 2022

One year ago, the Taliban raised their white flag over Afghanistan's capital for the second time. NPR toured the country and spoke to the Taliban and residents about what has happened since.