The United Nations refugee agency is warning of a spiraling humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan as the Taliban nears recapturing the state.
Driving the news: "The United Nations Assistance Mission has warned that without a significant de-escalation in violence, Afghanistan is on course to witness the highest ever number of documented civilian casualties in a single year since the U.N.’s records began," according to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
A Russian plane that was sent to Turkey to fight the wildfires crashed Saturday, killing all eight people on board, state news agency TASS reports.
What they're saying: "Five Russian military crew members and three citizens of the Republic of Turkey who were on board the Russian Be-200 plane crashed in the Republic of Turkey," the Russian defense ministry said, per TASS.
The Qatari foreign minister Saturday urged the Taliban to reduce escalation and cease fire, according to a ministry statement.
State of play: Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani met with the chief of the Taliban's political bureau to discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan.
Two women — a Peruvian and an Indigenous Mexican — have been recognized as global culinary trailblazers.
What’s happening: Chef Pía León was named the world’s top female chef last week, and Claudia Albertina Ruiz Sántiz was highlighted as one of 50 world pioneers “shaping the future of gastronomy.”
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday made his first public remarks since the Taliban captured over half of the country's provincial capitals, saying that he's focusing on preventing "instability, violence and the displacement of people."
State of play: In a televised speech, Ghani gave no hints that he would resign, despite being under pressure from Afghan officials who want a transitional government headed by someone who can negotiate with the Taliban to prevent their takeover of Kabul, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The Biden administration is preparing for the fall of Kabul and a retreat from any U.S. diplomatic presence in Afghanistan — a stunning reversal of expectations.
It's looking increasingly likely to high-ranking aides to President Biden that the U.S. will have no enduring diplomatic presence in Afghanistan beyond Aug. 31 — the date Biden has promised the full troop withdrawal will be complete.
Why it matters: It's a major reversal from even a few weeks ago.
As the Taliban recaptures Afghanistan, Afghans are fleeing their homes to escape in desperation and fear.
Why it matters: The Taliban has pursued a lightning offensive to take over Afghanistan since the U.S.'s withdrawal of troops. Civilian casualties in Afghanistan have hit record highs, according to the UN.
Driving the news: Local authorities in France have found 22 cases of vandalism since July 12 at vaccine sites, including Nazi symbols and bomb threats, per Reuters.
