The world this week - PoliticsHaving seized control of Afghanistan, the Taliban told women to stay at home, supposedly for their own safety.America and other countries advised their citizens not to go to Kabul airport because of the imminent threat of a terrorist attack.The Taliban warned that there would be “consequences” if American troops remained beyond the evacuation deadline of August 31st.Ashraf Ghani, Afghanistan’s former president, turned up in the United Arab Emirates.A group of fighters in the Panjshir Valley continued to resist the new regime.The World Bank suspended funding to Afghanistan, in part over concerns that the Taliban would interfere with development projects aimed at women.The IMF has already halted payments to the country.America and other countries froze almost all of Afghanistan’s $9bn in foreign reserves.Experts warned of a looming economic crash.Ismail Sabri Yaakob was sworn in as Malaysia’s prime minister following the resignation of the unpopular Muhyiddin Yassin.Mr Ismail Sabri comes from the same circle of politicians who backed the previous government, which mishandled the pandemic.He was picked by Malaysia’s king, who wants him to face a vote of confidence in parliament.
