US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Afghanistan. EPA
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Afghanistan. EPA
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Afghanistan. EPA
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Afghanistan. EPA

US agencies trade blame for botched Afghanistan exit


Bryant Harris
  • English
  • Arabic

The Washington blame game over the Biden administration’s chaotic scramble to fly US citizens and visa holders from Afghanistan as the country fell to the Taliban intensified on Wednesday with the Pentagon laying the responsibility squarely at the State Department's feet.

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said his State Department colleagues across the Potomac River were responsible for slowing down the removal of American citizens and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants.

“The call on how to do that and when to do it is really a State Department call,” Mr Austin told Congress in a second day of lengthy testimony as lawmakers grilled him and two top officers on how America's longest war ended so suddenly and so ignobly last month.

“Their concern, rightfully, that number one, they were being cautioned by the [former Kabul] administration that if they withdrew American citizens and SIV applicants at a pace that was too fast, it would cause a collapse of government that they were trying to prevent.”

But, Mr Austin said, the Pentagon had provided its input “and we certainly would have liked to see it go faster or sooner".

When the withdrawal was planned in April, the Pentagon had prioritised and accelerated the withdrawal of US troops over diplomats and Afghan allies due to security concerns, according to Politico.

The plan was to keep the embassy in Kabul open with the understanding that the US-trained Afghan forces would keep it secure. Instead, the Taliban seized all of Kabul over two days in mid-August after then-president Ashraf Ghani fled the capital.

  • A Taliban fighter prays next to a demonstration organised by the Afghan Society of Muslim Youth, demanding the release of frozen international money in Kabul, Afghanistan. AP Photo
    A Taliban fighter prays next to a demonstration organised by the Afghan Society of Muslim Youth, demanding the release of frozen international money in Kabul, Afghanistan. AP Photo
  • A Taliban fighter and a group of Afghan men attend Friday prayers in Kabul. AP Photo
    A Taliban fighter and a group of Afghan men attend Friday prayers in Kabul. AP Photo
  • Taliban soldiers in Bagram Air Base in Parwan. Reuters
    Taliban soldiers in Bagram Air Base in Parwan. Reuters
  • Taliban soldiers Seifatollah and Vasighollah stand in a prison in Bagram Air Base. Reuters
    Taliban soldiers Seifatollah and Vasighollah stand in a prison in Bagram Air Base. Reuters
  • Taliban patrol Kabul. EPA
    Taliban patrol Kabul. EPA
  • Vahdat, a Taliban soldier and former prisoner, stands next to exercise equipment in Bagram Air Base. Reuters
    Vahdat, a Taliban soldier and former prisoner, stands next to exercise equipment in Bagram Air Base. Reuters
  • A Taliban fighter stands guard near Zanbaq Square in Kabul. AFP
    A Taliban fighter stands guard near Zanbaq Square in Kabul. AFP
  • Taliban fighters police a road in Herat. AFP
    Taliban fighters police a road in Herat. AFP

And while the Pentagon did draft an evacuation plan for Afghans who assisted the US military and their families, the White House did not authorise it until July — a month before the Taliban swept across the country as the US withdrew.

James Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said this month that “one of the biggest problems to help processing” visas for Afghans who helped the US military included the Defence Department’s failure to provide the necessary documents needed to process their visas to the State Department.

“The fact that [the Pentagon] didn’t keep curated records is irresponsible and a slap in the face to those who fought alongside us,” Mr Risch said at the time.

“Obviously, I want to talk to Secretary Austin about this.”

  • Recently-arrived refugees from Afghanistan are seen at a camp at the US Army's Rhine Ordnance Barracks, where they are being temporarily housed, in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Getty Images
    Recently-arrived refugees from Afghanistan are seen at a camp at the US Army's Rhine Ordnance Barracks, where they are being temporarily housed, in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Getty Images
  • Refugees at the Rhine Ordnance Barracks. Several US military facilities with the capacity to house up to several thousand evacuees are participating in an operation called Operation Allied Refuge. Getty Images
    Refugees at the Rhine Ordnance Barracks. Several US military facilities with the capacity to house up to several thousand evacuees are participating in an operation called Operation Allied Refuge. Getty Images
  • Evacuees from Afghanistan at the US Air Base in Ramstein, Germany. Ramstein Air Base is serving as major hub in the operation to evacuate people from Afghanistan. EPA
    Evacuees from Afghanistan at the US Air Base in Ramstein, Germany. Ramstein Air Base is serving as major hub in the operation to evacuate people from Afghanistan. EPA
  • Afghan refugees receive Covid-19 vaccine shots in an Italian Red Cross refugee camp, in Avezzano, Italy. AP
    Afghan refugees receive Covid-19 vaccine shots in an Italian Red Cross refugee camp, in Avezzano, Italy. AP
  • Afghan refugees listen to instructions before getting Covid-19 vaccine shots at the camp in Avezzano. AP
    Afghan refugees listen to instructions before getting Covid-19 vaccine shots at the camp in Avezzano. AP
  • This quarantine camp in Abruzzo, central Italy, where 1,250 migrants are hosted, is expected to close in a week as the quarantine expires and they are moved to other structures to apply for asylum. AP
    This quarantine camp in Abruzzo, central Italy, where 1,250 migrants are hosted, is expected to close in a week as the quarantine expires and they are moved to other structures to apply for asylum. AP
  • An Afghan refugee rests in the Italian Red Cross refugee camp, in Avezzano. AP
    An Afghan refugee rests in the Italian Red Cross refugee camp, in Avezzano. AP
  • Health workers prepare to perform Covid-19 tests for Afghan evacuees after disembarking from a US Air Force plane at Rota Naval Base in Spain. Getty Images
    Health workers prepare to perform Covid-19 tests for Afghan evacuees after disembarking from a US Air Force plane at Rota Naval Base in Spain. Getty Images
  • A US navy sailor stands next to boxes containing nappies and towels for Afghan children, who have been evacuated from Kabul, in Rota, southern Spain. Reuters
    A US navy sailor stands next to boxes containing nappies and towels for Afghan children, who have been evacuated from Kabul, in Rota, southern Spain. Reuters
  • Afghans are seen at Rota naval base in Spain. A temporary camp has been set up to host evacuees from Afghanistan with 53 tents with capacity for almost 1,600 people, although it is expected to be enlarged to host up to 3,000 people. EPA
    Afghans are seen at Rota naval base in Spain. A temporary camp has been set up to host evacuees from Afghanistan with 53 tents with capacity for almost 1,600 people, although it is expected to be enlarged to host up to 3,000 people. EPA
  • Recently-arrived refugees from Afghanistan wait for medical support at a temporary camp at the US Army's Rhine Ordnance Barracks, where they are being temporarily housed. Getty Images
    Recently-arrived refugees from Afghanistan wait for medical support at a temporary camp at the US Army's Rhine Ordnance Barracks, where they are being temporarily housed. Getty Images
  • Afghan evacuees show a child's drawing at the Luigi Fenoglio Refugee Center in Settimo Torinese, managed by the Italian Red Cross. Getty Images
    Afghan evacuees show a child's drawing at the Luigi Fenoglio Refugee Center in Settimo Torinese, managed by the Italian Red Cross. Getty Images
  • A boy looks out of a window near Lyon, France, as Afghan refugee families arrived after their evacuation from Kabul. AFP
    A boy looks out of a window near Lyon, France, as Afghan refugee families arrived after their evacuation from Kabul. AFP

While Mr Austin has testified before the both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, he refused to appear alongside Secretary of State Antony Blinken before the Foreign Relations Committee this month.

This prompted Democrat Bob Menendez, the Foreign Relations Committee chairman, to threaten to subpoena Mr Austin over his refusal to appear — a drastic measure for a member of Congress to take against an official from an administration controlled by his own party.

“While communication from the administration has been frequent throughout this crisis, information from [the State Department], the Pentagon and the White House has often been vague or contradictory,” Mr Menendez said at the time.

While testifying before the Senate on Tuesday, Mr Austin and other Pentagon officials were unable to provide an estimate of how many US citizens remain trapped in Afghanistan.

They deferred the question to the State Department despite repeated admonishments from Democrat Tim Kaine not to do so before their public testimony this week.

After a closed Senate hearing with Pentagon officials last week, Mr Kaine told reporters that he had warned them against continuing to punt basic questions about Afghanistan evacuees to the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security.

“They can’t answer questions for us — things that our American people should know, things that we should know as Congress,” Republican Joni Ernst told The National after last week’s closed hearing.

“How many families do we have evacuated? How many women, children do we have evacuated? Who’s been evacuated? They can’t answer any of that.”

Generation Start-up: Awok company profile

Started: 2013

Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev

Sector: e-commerce

Size: 600 plus

Stage: still in talks with VCs

Principal Investors: self-financed by founder

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Company%20profile
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Tips for entertaining with ease

·         Set the table the night before. It’s a small job but it will make you feel more organised once done.

·         As the host, your mood sets the tone. If people arrive to find you red-faced and harried, they’re not going to relax until you do. Take a deep breath and try to exude calm energy.

·         Guests tend to turn up thirsty. Fill a big jug with iced water and lemon or lime slices and encourage people to help themselves.

·         Have some background music on to help create a bit of ambience and fill any initial lulls in conversations.

·         The meal certainly doesn’t need to be ready the moment your guests step through the door, but if there’s a nibble or two that can be passed around it will ward off hunger pangs and buy you a bit more time in the kitchen.

·         You absolutely don’t have to make every element of the brunch from scratch. Take inspiration from our ideas for ready-made extras and by all means pick up a store-bought dessert.

 

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

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THE BIO

Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old

Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai

Favourite Book: The Alchemist

Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail

Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna

Favourite cuisine: Italian food

Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman

 

 

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

The Perfect Couple

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor

Creator: Jenna Lamia

Rating: 3/5

SPECS

Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

Engine: two-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 306hp

Torque: 450Nm

Price: JCW Clubman, Dh220,500; JCW Countryman, Dh225,500

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Indoor cricket in a nutshell

Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side

8 There are eight players per team

There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.

5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls

Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs

B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run

Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs

Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

Gulf Under 19s final

Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B

The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8

Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm

Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km

Price: Dh380,000

On sale: now 

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The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Museum of the Future in numbers
  •  78 metres is the height of the museum
  •  30,000 square metres is its total area
  •  17,000 square metres is the length of the stainless steel facade
  •  14 kilometres is the length of LED lights used on the facade
  •  1,024 individual pieces make up the exterior 
  •  7 floors in all, with one for administrative offices
  •  2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members frame the torus shape
  •  100 species of trees and plants dot the gardens
  •  Dh145 is the price of a ticket
Updated: September 29, 2021, 6:42 PM