EU condemns Taliban move to suspend medical education for women, girls
Kabul, Dec 4: The European Union on Wednesday condemned the Taliban for violating human rights and women’s access to education after media reports that the Taliban’s leader has ordered private and public institutions to stop providing medical courses for women and girls in Afghanistan. The Taliban have neither confirmed the order nor responded to the reports. In September 2021, a month after they returned to power, the Taliban stopped schooling for girls after grade six. They banned women from university in December 2022. Medical education, like nursing and midwifery, was one of the few ways they could continue their learning in classrooms. The BBC and others reported that five institutions across Afghanistan said the Taliban had instructed them to close until further notice, and women training as midwives and nurses were ordered not to return to classes Wednesday. (AP)
No-confidence vote could topple French government
Paris, Dec 4: France’s far-right and left-wing forces are expected to join together Wednesday to oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government in a historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes. If the motion succeeds, it would mark the first time a French government has been toppled this way in more than 60 years. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027 despite growing opposition calls for his departure amid the turmoil. However, Macron will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time this year, further reshaping France’s political balance after his party’s losses in July’s legislative elections. (AP)
Trump mulls DeSantis for Pentagon job
Washington, Dec 4: The nomination of Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Pentagon, is under pressure as senators who would need to confirm him weigh a series of allegations that have surfaced against him. Hegseth’s mother appeared on Fox News on Wednesday to defend her son, who faces multiple allegations about alcohol intoxication at work events, sexual misconduct and potential financial mismanagement. The Trump transition team was growing concerned about Hegseth’s path to confirmation and was actively looking at potential replacements, a person familiar with the matter said. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is being discussed as a possible replacement if Hegseth’s nomination does not move forward, according to people familiar with the matter. (AP)
Syrian forces battle insurgents
Beirut, Dec 4: Syria said Wednesday its counteroffensive has pushed back insurgents attempting to advance to the strategic city of Hama, while the insurgency says it captured more Syrian troops and Iran-backed militants in fierce battles. The latest flareup in Syria’s long civil war comes after forces opposed to Syrian President Bashar Assad over the past days captured large parts of the northern city of Aleppo (AP)