September 2021 – Page 40 – THE OVAL CIRCLE

UN refugee agency warns Afghanistan is facing a ‘greater humanitarian crisis’ as countries end evacuation efforts

Posted on September 6, 2021September 6, 2021By Editor

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned Afghanistan faces “a far greater humanitarian crisis,” as nations end their evacuation efforts ahead of the US withdrawal from the country on August 31. … Read More >UN refugee agency warns Afghanistan is facing a ‘greater humanitarian crisis’ as countries end evacuation efforts

EU

EU foreign affairs chief proposes new reactive force, as Afghan crisis highlights bloc’s military shortfalls

Posted on September 6, 2021September 6, 2021By Editor

The EU high representative for foreign affairs has proposed an “initial entry force” of 5,000 troops so the bloc is better prepared for future emergencies, after the crisis in Afghanistan put its security failures in spotlight. … Read More >EU foreign affairs chief proposes new reactive force, as Afghan crisis highlights bloc’s military shortfalls

Japan suspends Moderna Covid vaccine after another million doses found contaminated, bringing total to 2.6 million

Posted on September 6, 2021September 6, 2021By Editor

Japanese officials have suspended the use of millions of doses of the Moderna Covid vaccine after foreign substances were found in a number of batches and two people died after receiving jabs from the affected lots. … Read More >Japan suspends Moderna Covid vaccine after another million doses found contaminated, bringing total to 2.6 million

World

New Zealand reports first death linked to Pfizer vaccine, extends lockdown in Auckland despite falling Covid-19 infections

Posted on September 6, 2021September 6, 2021By Editor

New Zealand’s largest city Auckland will remain in lockdown for two more weeks despite the mounting decline in coronavirus cases, while the health ministry reported the country’s first death linked to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. … Read More >New Zealand reports first death linked to Pfizer vaccine, extends lockdown in Auckland despite falling Covid-19 infections

Israel agrees to ‘strengthen’ Palestinian economy in first top-level talks since 2010 held after PM Bennett’s return from US

Posted on September 5, 2021September 5, 2021By Editor

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met late on Sunday in the first such top-level talks in over a decade, with Israel agreeing to work toward boosting the crumbling PA econom … Read More >Israel agrees to ‘strengthen’ Palestinian economy in first top-level talks since 2010 held after PM Bennett’s return from US

Israel offers Covid-19 vaccine booster shots to all residents 12 and older, says ‘green pass’ will expire six months after jabs

Posted on September 5, 2021September 5, 2021By Editor

Israel’s government has expanded availability of controversial Covid-19 vaccine booster shots to all inoculated residents 12 and older and decreed that those who decline the third jab will soon lose their “green pass” privileges. … Read More >Israel offers Covid-19 vaccine booster shots to all residents 12 and older, says ‘green pass’ will expire six months after jabs

US military says Kabul strike targeting ISIS-K may have led to ‘additional casualties’ amid reports that family of 9 perished

Posted on September 5, 2021September 5, 2021By Editor

The US Central Command has said it is investigating reports that civilians were killed as a result of its strike on an alleged ISIS-K vehicle in Kabul. It has been reported that an entire family perished in the operation. … Read More >US military says Kabul strike targeting ISIS-K may have led to ‘additional casualties’ amid reports that family of 9 perished

Several rockets target Kabul airport, US military activate missile defenses to repel attack – reports

Posted on September 5, 2021September 5, 2021By Editor

Five rockets have reportedly been launched towards Kabul airport, which is the focal point of the US evacuation from Afghanistan. The missiles were shot down by an air defense system, media report, citing US officials. … Read More >Several rockets target Kabul airport, US military activate missile defenses to repel attack – reports

North Korea has apparently restarted its Yongbyon nuclear reactor, IAEA says, citing satellite imagery

Posted on September 5, 2021By Editor

North Korea appears to have restarted its plutonium-producing nuclear reactor at Yongbyon after an almost three-year pause, the UN’s nuclear watchdog said in its annual report on the country. … Read More >North Korea has apparently restarted its Yongbyon nuclear reactor, IAEA says, citing satellite imagery

EU

47 detained after rally against vaccine mandates clashes with police in Athens, Greece (VIDEO)

Posted on September 5, 2021September 5, 2021By Editor

Dozens of people were arrested in Greece after a protest against vaccine mandates for health workers spiraled into violence. Police deployed tear gas and water cannon in a bid to force the crowd to scatter. … Read More >47 detained after rally against vaccine mandates clashes with police in Athens, Greece (VIDEO)