Fatal gunfire occurs outside of Kabul airport as evacuations persist
After nearly two decades of attempted aid from the United States, the Taliban overtook the capital city of Afghanistan. Evacuations of refugees and U.S. soldiers were underway quickly, but many Afghan citizens cannot afford an airline ticket or fear traveling to the airport, according to Associated Press. However, as the United States rushed to evacuate American allies, deadly gunfire occurred outside of the Kabul international airport early on the morning of Aug. 23, killing one Afghan soldier. While the gunfire came from an unknown assailant, the Taliban spokesperson said that the delay of the withdrawal date for the United States would “provoke a reaction.” While the current U.S. withdrawal date is set for Aug. 31, U.S. president Biden has not ruled out an extension to allow more time for United States allies to fly out of Afghanistan. There has been no comment from the Taliban regarding the gunfire, but the group had recently been reported to be firing warning shots in an attempt to control the crowds outside of the airport.
People of Syria and Iraq are at risk of losing access to clean water
As temperatures rise, record low rainfall and water levels persist throughout Syria and Iraq. International aid groups warn that millions of citizens may be at risk of losing access to clean drinking water, and many may even lose access to electricity and food. Both countries rely heavily on water from the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, but due to the extreme heat and long periods of drought, the water levels have remained severely low. Both rivers are becoming heavily polluted, posing another threat to citizens’ access to clean drinking water. Many fear that a water crisis will increase conflict between the two neighboring countries, especially while they are still dealing with the deadly COVID-19 virus.
British Columbia in the works of creating a vaccine pass
The Canadian province of British Columbia plans to provide vaccinated citizens with a vaccine card that will give them access to restaurants, clubs and other large events or gathering spaces. Starting Sept. 13, a new order will require proof of an adult having at least a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in order to be admitted to social and recreational activities, as well as some businesses. The province hopes to add that requirement for those aged 12 and up beginning in late October. The province of Quebec has already announced similar mandates, while Canada’s largest province of Ontario has announced it will not be requiring a vaccination pass to get into public events.
