Taliban’s Parade Marks Anniversary of US Withdrawal

Three years after the chaotic withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan, the Taliban marked the occasion with a grand parade at Bagram Airfield, a former US military base. The event featured Taliban soldiers marching with American-made machine guns and vehicles, including a vast array of military equipment estimated to be worth around $7 billion, left behind during the hasty US exit.

The parade, a stark display of the Taliban’s newfound power, saw pickup trucks filled with armed men driving through the streets of Kabul. Senior Taliban officials attended the celebration, though the group’s Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, was notably absent.

The Controversial US Withdrawal

The Biden administration’s decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan in August 2021 faced intense global criticism. The rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the swift takeover by the Taliban sparked chaos and despair, leading to a hurried and dangerous evacuation. During the evacuation process, a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport claimed the lives of 183 people, including 13 US service members, adding to the tragedy.

The withdrawal also left behind hundreds of American citizens and thousands of Afghan allies, many of whom had supported US efforts during the 20-year conflict. The decision to withdraw under such circumstances continues to be a point of contention in the US and abroad.

Taliban’s Bold Claims of Governance

During the parade and subsequent speeches, Taliban leaders made bold claims regarding their governance and achievements over the past three years. They boasted of their success in strengthening Islamic law across Afghanistan and providing “peace and security” to the war-torn nation. Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Kabir emphasized the Taliban’s commitment to unity and non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.

However, these claims have been met with skepticism and criticism. US Army veteran Bill Roggio, among others, dismissed the Taliban’s assertions as mere propaganda, highlighting the ongoing issues and hardships faced by the Afghan population under Taliban rule.

Afghanistan’s Struggles Under Taliban Rule

Despite the celebratory parade, Afghanistan remains in a dire state. Millions of people are teetering on the brink of starvation, with the country’s economy in shambles. Unemployment is rampant, and the Taliban’s oppressive policies, including banning girls and women from attending school beyond the sixth grade, have drawn widespread condemnation.

The Taliban’s primary focus appears to be on maintaining their control over the country and enforcing a strict interpretation of Sharia law, rather than addressing the humanitarian and economic crises plaguing Afghanistan. As the Taliban celebrates their hold on power, the future of Afghanistan remains uncertain, with its people bearing the brunt of the ongoing challenges.

Australia, the United States, and Britain have significantly reduced barriers to sharing defence technologies, marking a major advancement for the AUKUS alliance. This move accelerates the approval process for sensitive defence exports and supports Australia’s goal of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.

The removal of red tape is also expected to speed up the development and production of advanced military technologies such as undersea drones, hypersonic missiles, and quantum technologies among the AUKUS partners. Despite being Australia’s closest military ally, the US had previously restricted the sharing of highly sensitive defence technology under the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Starting next month, 70% of US defence exports to Australia that were previously governed by ITAR will be licence-free.

Defence Minister Richard Marles hailed the reforms as a major enhancement to Australia’s security, emphasizing that they will revolutionize defence trade, innovation, and cooperation at the pace and scale necessary to address current strategic challenges.

The historic AUKUS agreement, signed in March of last year, is divided into two pillars. Under the first pillar, Australia will invest up to $368 billion by 2055 to build a fleet of eight nuclear-propelled submarines in Adelaide, with the first entering service in the 2040s. The second pillar focuses on the sharing and development of advanced military technologies, including hypersonic missiles, undersea capabilities, and artificial intelligence, with an emphasis on countering Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Making a living as a musician is no easy gig. It’s prompted some performers to turn to the defence force, for stability, and opportunity. Once they secure a competitive place in Australia’s army band, musicians must balance their craft with being a soldier.

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A duty to entertain: the musicians who serve in the Australian Army Band Corps | Watch (msn.com)

Today we commemorate Victory in The Pacific Day. 

Victory in the Pacific Day, observed on August 15th, is a solemn and significant occasion in Australia’s history, marking the end of World War II in the Pacific theatre. It was on this day, 79 years ago, that Prime Minister Ben Chifley made the historic announcement that the war had ended, bringing relief and a complex mix of emotions to a war-weary nation.

As Chifley addressed the Australian public, his words resonated deeply: “Let us remember those whose lives were given that we may enjoy this glorious moment and may look forward to a peace which they have won for us.” His message was a call to remember the sacrifices made by countless Australians in the pursuit of peace and freedom. It was a moment that underscored both the joy of victory and the heavy cost of war.

Across Australia, the news sparked spontaneous celebrations. In cities and towns, people flooded the streets, embracing, singing, and dancing, their exuberance a release after years of anxiety and hardship. Yet, for many others, especially those who had served in distant lands, the news was met with a quieter, more reflective response. The war had changed them, and the transition back to civilian life seemed daunting.

Sergeant Thomas Arthur Guy Hungerford, a member of the 2/8 Cavalry Commando Squadron, was stationed in Bougainville when Japan surrendered. His reaction captures the uncertainty faced by many returning soldiers. “Suddenly we were unemployed,” he recalled. “We had to begin thinking about returning to civvy life, and I don’t think there were many who had a very clear idea of what that meant. I know I didn’t.”

The impact of World War II on Australia was profound. Almost one million Australians served, with more than 39,000 losing their lives, and around 30,000 taken as prisoners of war. The scars of the conflict were both physical and emotional, leaving a lasting legacy on the nation.

Today, as we commemorate Victory in the Pacific Day, we pause to honour and remember all who served our nation during this defining chapter of history. We reflect on their bravery, their sacrifices, and the freedoms they secured for future generations. Their legacy is a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Australian spirit.

Lest we forget.

In early 1954, a pivotal and intense battle unfolded at Dien Bien Phu, a remote valley in northern Vietnam. This battle was the culmination of a seven-year struggle between France and the communist-led Viet Minh, who sought to end colonial rule and establish an independent Vietnam. The conflict was part of a broader contest for the future of Southeast Asia during the Cold War, as Western powers and communist forces vied for influence in the region.

The French, underestimating the determination and military capability of the Viet Minh, chose Dien Bien Phu as the site to draw the enemy into a decisive engagement. Their plan was to lure the Viet Minh into a conventional battle, where French firepower would be decisive. However, the French grossly miscalculated. The Viet Minh, under the leadership of General Vo Nguyen Giap, conducted an extraordinary logistical effort, hauling heavy artillery through difficult terrain to encircle the French forces.

The siege of Dien Bien Phu began in March 1954 and stretched over 55 brutal days. The French garrison, numbering around 13,000 troops, found themselves isolated and under constant bombardment. Despite desperate attempts to resupply the troops by air, the French forces were slowly overwhelmed. By May 7, 1954, the Viet Minh forces had overrun the French positions, forcing the French to surrender.

The defeat at Dien Bien Phu was catastrophic for France. It marked the end of French colonial rule in Indochina, as the Geneva Accords were soon signed, leading to the partition of Vietnam. This defeat also marked a significant turning point in global geopolitics, pushing the United States to consider deeper involvement in Vietnam, setting the stage for the Vietnam War.

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Telstra and Optus have postponed their 3G network shutdowns to the end of October, following a parliamentary inquiry urging a delay. Telstra’s shutdown was initially set for August 31, while Optus planned to end 3G service in September. Both companies now plan to begin the shutdown on October 28.

The delay comes after a Senate inquiry highlighted that many devices still rely on 3G, including critical medical equipment, fire alarms, EFTPOS machines, and infrastructure systems. The inquiry warned that without a delay, the government might prohibit the shutdown until 4G coverage is assured to be on par with 3G.

Both telecom companies are using the additional time to increase public awareness, with a focus on getting customers to upgrade affected devices. Optus had previously estimated that over 100,000 customers might not act before the original shutdown dates, risking loss of service. The inquiry identified around 300,000 devices that could be impacted, particularly older phones that rely on 3G for emergency calls.

To ease the transition, Telstra has given away over 12,000 phones, and Optus has distributed around 20,000, also offering a $400 credit to postpaid customers to encourage upgrades. Despite these efforts, the companies acknowledged that some users might only act when the network actually shuts down.

In the Vietnam War, flying into the jungle produced a different kind of hazard. In a daring rescue mission, a desperate pilot cuts his own landing zone in forty-foot-tall bamboo. —