Morning News Brief
Two American citizens were arrested in connection with the assassination of the Haitian President. New COVID-19 hotspots emerge. And, Biden vows to stick to his plan to end America's longest war.
Middle East
Biden Defends Decision To Pull U.S. Troops From Afghanistan Despite Resurgent Taliban
President Biden defended his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan despite the Taliban gaining power and threatening the Afghan government.
The Taliban Have Been Sweeping Across Afghanistan As Foreign Forces Leave
The Taliban have been sweeping through Afghanistan as the U.S and other forces pull out of the country and Afghan security forces surrender or flee.
Afghan War Veteran Remains Optimistic After U.S. Withdrawal
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Aaron O'Connell, a former National Security Council staff member and an Afghan war veteran, about the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Palestinians Hope Israel's New Government Will Bring Progress To This Poor Town
In the village of Jisr al-Zarqa, residents wish for opportunities available in nearby Jewish towns. They wonder if the new government, which includes an Arab party for the first time, will help.
Former U.S. Ambassador To Afghanistan Discusses U.S. Withdrawal
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker about the U.S. military withdrawal from the country after nearly 20 years.
Protection Provided By The Pfizer Vaccine May Might Be Fading, Israeli Officials Say
The Pfizer vaccine appears to be waning in terms of preventing any infection or mild disease, but still offers strong protection against severe disease and death, the Israeli Ministry of Health says.
Israel's New Government Is Dealt A Defeat With Vote Over Palestinian Citizenship Law
The controversial law would prevent Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza from acquiring residency in Israel even after they marry Palestinians with Israeli citizenship.
The Container Ship That Blocked Suez Canal Is Set To Sail On Wednesday
The owners and insurers of the giant container ship Ever Given have announced a settlement with the Suez Canal Authority, which has held the ship since it got stuck in the canal in March.
![Poornima Peri, who lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her two sons. Aarit (left), now age 4, is India staying with his grandmother. His mother had planned to pick him up but "from March [2020] onward it was total lockdown," she says. Because of continuin](http://wfdd-live.s3.amazonaws.com/images/story/Aussies-Stranded-Abroad-Include-Hundreds-Of-Kids-Folks-Short-On-Cash-1010894589-1625396410.jpg)
Aussies Stranded Abroad Include Hundreds Of Kids, Folks Short On Cash
Pandemic travel regulations are frustrating parents whose children are visiting family in other countries and those who can't afford the cost of a ticket and a two-week hotel quarantine upon return.