Speaking to The National at her child's grave in Kabul, 38-year-old Wahida Shirzad lamented that "no matter what happens in Afghanistan – whether there is war or peace – no one will be able to bring back my son". Mohammad Rahid Amin was one of 22 students killed when terrorists stormed Kabul University in November 2020.
The attack typifies the danger and heartache that Afghans have lived with for decades. Despite a 20-year US-led war, the Taliban, the main killers of innocent Afghans, seem to be winning. American talks with the group over the past year gave the terrorists far more than they granted in return. Throughout, the concerns of Afghanistan's government were largely marginalised.
Now, the very future of the administration in Kabul is in doubt, after US President Joe Biden announced that he is withdrawing all 2,500 American troops from the country by September 11, 2021 without conditions. Soldiers from other Nato countries are expected to leave along with them. Mr Biden's chosen date is the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Shortly after Al Qaeda's attack, the US toppled a Taliban regime in Afghanistan, which was hosting the terror group.
Other Nato powers are set to join the US in its departure from the country. EPA
Ending military support does not stop Mr Biden's duty of care towards Afghanistan
The decision will end the longest war in US history. But it will not necessarily finish Afghanistan's war, which is increasingly becoming one of civil strife. Its conclusion will not see an end to the group's resurgence in areas the Afghan National Army and its international allies worked to liberate. Nor will it safeguard the many Afghans who justifiably fear a Taliban takeover.
Winding down military support does not stop Mr Biden's duty of care towards Afghanistan. After two decades of deep involvement in the country's security, government and development, there is no such thing as a responsible clean break.
America is leaving with a mixed legacy and mixed feelings from Afghans.
It is possible that Washington will not abide by the September timetable. An initial May deadline for withdrawal that was set by former president Donald Trump was swiftly overturned by Mr Biden when he entered office, and this was not the first time the US rescinded strategic decisions in Afghanistan. But no one can bank on a second U-turn. An increasing number of American citizens and politicians are pushing for an end to "forever wars". For them, Afghanistan is the definition of one.
In the face of this, the government in Kabul must quickly form a united front against the Taliban and other militia groups that threaten Afghanistan. But it will still need the US to fulfil its own responsibilities. If American troops go, they must be replaced with a generous supply of military aid. Without it, the country will be overrun.
The West has occasionally been rocked by terrorist attacks in recent years, some from groups that operate in Afghanistan. For Afghans, the tragedy is not occasional. In the first three months of 2021, their country saw almost 600 civilians killed.
Afghanistan remains vulnerable. But so will the West, if along with its soldiers, it also withdraws its sense of responsibility.
FIXTURES
Monday, January 28
Iran v Japan, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Tuesday, January 29
UAEv Qatar, Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Friday, February 1
Final, Zayed Sports City Stadium (6pm)
A lesson in simple, seasonal eating. Wedges of tomato, chunks of cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, coriander or parsley leaves, and perhaps some fresh dill are drizzled with a crushed walnut and garlic dressing. Do consider yourself warned: if you eat this salad in Georgia during the summer months, the tomatoes will be so ripe and flavourful that every tomato you eat from that day forth will taste lacklustre in comparison.
Badrijani nigvzit
A delicious vegetarian snack or starter. It consists of thinly sliced, fried then cooled aubergine smothered with a thick and creamy walnut sauce and folded or rolled. Take note, even though it seems like you should be able to pick these morsels up with your hands, they’re not as durable as they look. A knife and fork is the way to go.
Pkhali
This healthy little dish (a nice antidote to the khachapuri) is usually made with steamed then chopped cabbage, spinach, beetroot or green beans, combined with walnuts, garlic and herbs to make a vegetable pâté or paste. The mix is then often formed into rounds, chilled in the fridge and topped with pomegranate seeds before being served.
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
Second Test: July 14-18, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2pm
Third Test: The Oval, London, July 27-31, 2pm
Fourth Test: Old Trafford, Manchester, August 4-8
The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
Brief scores:
Scotland 371-5, 50 overs (C MacLeod 140 no, K Coetzer 58, G Munsey 55)
England 365 all out, 48.5 overs (J Bairstow 105, A Hales 52; M Watt 3-55)
Result: Scotland won by six runs
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
