International
The Doha Agreement: The Pact that Handed Kabul to the Taliban and China
On the fourth anniversary of the Doha Agreement (2020), signed between the United States government and the Afghan Taliban, the pact continues to be viewed as one of Washington’s major mistakes in Afghanistan, resulting in the empowerment of the armed movement and the loss of influence in a territory now being reclaimed by China.
Earlier this month, when United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres convened a meeting in Doha with international representatives and the de facto Taliban government, the fundamentalists refused to participate, setting conditions and demonstrating their control over the negotiations.
“If this (the agreement and the outcome of Doha) is fine, then what were the last twenty years of war for? The United States intentionally handed Afghanistan over to an extremist group despite the presence of hundreds of thousands of soldiers from the national army and the sacrifices of the Afghan people,” questioned analyst Abdul Haleem Nasiri.
Void of Interests
The gap continues to widen between Western interests and Afghanistan, as the Doha Agreement not only hastened the downfall of the democratic government but also opened the door to a ‘de-Westernization’ of Central Asia.
For neighboring countries like China, with a 92-kilometer border with Afghanistan, communication with the new order in Kabul is essential for security and maintaining a connection with Central and Southern Asia.
“China has never rejected Afghanistan as a neighboring country and needs to have a close relationship as they did during the twenty years of the previous government,” said political expert Abdul Jabbar Akbari to EFE, adding that the growing relationship between Beijing and Kabul “could create a headache for US policies in Central Asia.”
China’s Reconquest
Since the return to power of the Taliban in August 2021, China has made several diplomatic gestures, and on January 31, its president, Xi Jinping, received credentials from Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi, who was until recently the group’s deputy spokesperson.
China thus became the first country to officially accredit an Afghan ambassador, despite the Taliban not having recognition from the international community.
“That China accepted the Taliban ambassador is both paradoxical and transactional, to safeguard its interest in Afghanistan’s mines and lithium and to keep the Taliban happy as potential future allies,” explained analyst Abdul Haleem Nasiri to EFE.
China is also “being cautious,” warns the analyst, referring to Beijing’s possible doubts that the Taliban have some discreet alliance with the US, so it would have to “handle both sides carefully,” Nasiri added.
Qian Feng, an academic researcher at the National Strategic Institute of Tsinghua University and the Taihe Institute, explained to EFE that for Beijing, the priority is “security” and that the Taliban take “decisive measures against all terrorist forces” and “ensure the viability of China’s projects.”
“Afghanistan cannot once again become a refuge and breeding ground for terrorism,” he asserted.
Beijing Bets on Stability
China, critical of the United States’ role, emphasizes its opposition to foreign intervention in Afghanistan and, according to Qian, seeks to develop “strong” relations based on cooperation that, in the medium term, lead to negotiations to establish diplomatic relations.
China is betting on economic prosperity and political stability to prevent “turbulence” and ensure a favorable external environment for trade, the expert considers.
“It must be said that since this Taliban government took power, violence has decreased, security has improved, and efforts have been made to combat the illegal cultivation, production, and trade of drugs. They are also improving in terms of building an open political structure and protecting minorities, at least compared to their previous mandate,” the academic affirmed.
Beijing also seeks to protect its investment projects in Central Asia and prevent the spread of regional terrorism following the withdrawal of US troops.
Analysts have also highlighted China’s interest in Afghanistan’s natural resources, including oil, lithium deposits, or rare earths – vital elements for the development and production of technologies like electric vehicle batteries – whose value is estimated at nearly a trillion dollars.
International
Gustavo Petro increases Colombia’s minimum wage by 9.54%
Colombian President Gustavo Petro signed a decree on Tuesday to increase the minimum wage in the country by 9.54% (following a lack of consensus with business sectors and labor unions), meaning that starting January 1, it will be 1,423,500 Colombian pesos (about US$322).
“This is an improvement in the standard of living for all people who tie their income to the minimum wage,” Petro celebrated as he signed the decree in Zipaquirá, during an event where he participated in the last Novena de Aguinaldo and reconnected with several friends and colleagues in the Bolívar 83 neighborhood, which holds personal significance for the president.
Currently, the minimum wage in Colombia is 1,300,000 pesos (about US$294).
Petro also responded to criticisms from the business sector regarding the minimum wage increase, after the president of the National Association of Entrepreneurs of Colombia (Andi), Bruce Mac Master, warned that it would lead to “a great number of consequences.”
International
Silent Christmas in Bethlehem as Gaza conflict overshadows celebrations
Hundreds of faithful gathered on Tuesday around the Church of the Nativity in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, which is preparing for another quiet Christmas, with no major celebrations due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Local authorities decided to suspend large public celebrations for the second consecutive year, and in Manger Square, there are neither decorations nor the traditional giant Christmas tree, reflecting the somber mood of its residents since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in Gaza. At the Vatican, Pope Francis will inaugurate the Holy Year 2025 on Tuesday, a major international pilgrimage expected to draw over 30 million faithful from around the world to Rome.
On this Christmas Eve, at 7:00 PM (6:00 PM GMT), in the presence of around 30,000 people and with worldwide broadcast, the Argentine Jesuit will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, symbolizing the start of this “ordinary” Jubilee.
Afterwards, he will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, an occasion in which the pontiff often highlights global conflicts.
Over the weekend, Francis’ remarks calling Israeli airstrikes in Gaza “cruel” sparked criticism from the Israeli government.
International
Pope Francis to open jubilee year in Vatican, calls for global peace amid conflict
Pope Francis will open the Catholic Church’s “Holy Year” 2025 on Tuesday, a major international pilgrimage expected to bring over 30 million faithful from around the world to Rome, under the sign of the Jubilee.
On this Christmas Eve, at 7:00 PM (6:00 PM GMT), in the presence of around 30,000 people and with worldwide broadcast, the Argentine Jesuit will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, symbolizing the start of this “ordinary” Jubilee. Throughout the year, pilgrims will be able to pass through this heavy and imposing bronze door, closed during ordinary times, to receive the “plenary indulgence,” the forgiveness of sins according to tradition.
The 88-year-old pope, who faces frequent health issues, will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, before delivering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing (to the city and the world) on Wednesday at noon. It is expected that he will address global conflicts and renew his calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East, three days after condemning the “cruelty” of the attacks in Gaza, comments which provoked protests from Israeli diplomats.
Security around the Vatican has been reinforced following the deadly attack on a Christmas market in Germany. About 700 additional officers have been deployed to Rome, as announced by the Ministry of the Interior.
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