United News of Bangladesh

The Taliban government on Sunday dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Washington could retake Bagram Air Base, four years after America’s withdrawal handed the facility over to Taliban control. Trump recently hinted that the Taliban, facing economic woes, a lack of international recognition, internal tensions and threats from rival militant groups, might allow the U.S. military back into Afghanistan. However, Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid rejected the claim, urging the U.S. to act with “realism and rationality.” Posting on X, Mujahid said Afghanistan was pursuing an economy-driven foreign policy and sought constructive ties with all countries on the basis of mutual interests. He stressed that Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity had been repeatedly emphasized in all negotiations with the U.S. Mujahid also reminded Washington of its commitment under the 2020 Doha Agreement not to use or threaten force against Afghanistan or interfere in its internal affairs. “The United States must remain faithful to its commitments,” he said. Mujahid did not respond to AP questions about whether any discussions on Bagram had taken place with the Trump administration or why Trump believed such a move was possible. In August 2024, the Taliban marked the third anniversary of their return to power with a military display at Bagram, showcasing abandoned U.S. equipment. Trump has since repeatedly criticized his predecessor Joe Biden for what he called “gross incompetence” during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal that ended America’s longest war.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to his Mar-a-Lago resort on Saturday. Meloni's visit follows that of Argentine President Javier Milei, who was the first international leader to meet Trump at Mar-a-Lago after his November election win. Other leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, have also traveled to Florida to meet the incoming president. Trump attended a documentary screening focused on challenges faced by conservative lawyers within the legal system. He entered the grand ballroom at approximately 7 p.m. and returned after two hours, following dinner. Expressing enthusiasm, Trump introduced Meloni to the audience, stating, “This is very exciting. I’m here with a fantastic woman, the prime minister of Italy. She has made waves in Europe and beyond, and we’re just having dinner tonight.” Washington Post cartoonist quits after paper rejects sketch of Bezos bowing to Trump Meloni watched the documentary alongside Trump and several key figures expected to join his administration, including Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Trump's nominee for secretary of state; Florida Representative Mike Waltz, his pick for national security adviser; and Scott Bessent, his nominee for Treasury secretary. Meloni's visit coincides with rising tensions between Italy and Iran. Late last month, Iranian authorities detained Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Tehran. Italy has called for her release, while Iran seeks the extradition of an Iranian businessman arrested in Milan on a U.S. warrant for alleged involvement in a drone strike in Jordan that killed three American soldiers. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden is preparing for a visit to Rome, where he will meet Meloni and Pope Francis starting Thursday. The White House announced that Biden's meeting with Meloni aims to underscore the strong U.S.-Italy alliance and acknowledge her leadership during Italy's G7 presidency last year.  

The Trump Baby Blimp will live on long after its namesake has left the White House.

The United States on Wednesday formally left the Paris Agreement, a global pact forged five years ago to avert the threat of catastrophic climate change.