Of Teacher Assessed Results raises questions about regional differences and girls move further ahead of boys. The taliban is continuing its astonishing sweep across afghanistan, with more dramatic developments just today. In the past two hours weve heard that they have captured afghanistans third biggest city, herat, and appear poised to gain control of the second largest kandahar. If thats confirmed, this day will mark the most significant advance so far as one after another, tHe Countrys Provincial Capitals fall to the militants. With thousands of civilians fleeing the violence, a sense of humanitarian disaster is deepening. The bbc� s Yogita Limaye is in kabul. Things are changing at an incredible speed here. We started the day talking about the fall of a City Hundred Miles South which is strategically important and now, just within a span of 12 hours, we are looking at cities which are even more significant. Herat in the west is close to the border and is an important economic and Trade Centre that this country and officials telling us it has fallen to the taliban. Over the past few days, there was intense fighting between government forces and the taliban but it appears now that the government has not been able to hold control in that city and things are not looking good for it in kandahar as well, the second largest city. There is an intense battle raging there but increasingly we are Hearing Reports that the city has been overrun. Then there is the capital of helmand province, about 100 miles from kandahar. There is a fierce battle going on there as well. The taliban have taken over important government buildings. We are being told that that is potentially on the brink of collapse as well. This isjust in a week, in a week, the first Provincial Capital was taken less than a week ago. The speed of all of it really startling people here. Its difficult to reach people living in the conflict areas but earlier the bbc spoke to a resident in kandahar about the situation shes witnessing, weve concealed her identity for security reasons. The fighting started in the morning and i did not think it was going to last so long. I thought it might or might not, it was a 50 50 chance. And then by the evening we got news that almost 70 of the city has fallen, and an hour ago i got news that they are almost inside the governor house. And all we know now is that they are trying to. There was fighting a few minutes ago, but now the fighting has stopped and everything has stopped. So that is the situation in kandahar right now. The governor did not even try to resist. If they tried to resist we would not be losing this and the first place. They had known about this for two weeks ago when other places were attacked, and the same with the city. It was under threat for three weeks, what were they doing . So they did not show any resistance, theyjust really gave up on everything. Now a few bunch of policeman are fighting here and there, but thats all. The prison is already broken. People are out, prisoners are out. They are outside already attacking the governor house. I dont know what else to expect from them. Like if they showed resistance then there should have been at least a pushback. The Speed And Pace of the Talibans Advance has shocked many. Emboldened by the withdrawal of us troops, the militants have taken more territory in afghanistan in the past two months than at any time since they were ousted from power in 2001. Have a look at these two maps. The areas in red were under taliban control injuly. Fast forward to august the area in red is what the taliban controls now. More territory has fallen. The timing of the talibans offensive isnt surprising theyve seized the opportunity to attack the afghan military, with the majority of us led foreign troops no longer in tHe Country. And critical of that move is the us. General Hr Mcmaster who served as national Security Advisor under Donald Trump from 2017 2018. Hes been speaking to the bbc. I think what were seeing is a disaster unfolding that was completely predictable. Predictable because of our self delusion, and our self defeat. And what we are seeing is the result of our abandonment of our sustained effort to support security for the afghan people there, and the reversal of the tremendous gains made since 2001. What breaks my heart here is that how after so many years and so much Investment And Blood and Treasure And Effort people were willing to walk away because of this really false narrative about the war. You know, nothing has been accomplished there, we have wasted trillions of dollars, and all of that was really false. Afghanistan had not transformed into denmark, but afghanistan does not need to be denmark. Itjust needs to be afghanistan. You know, nothing has been accomplished there, we have wasted trillions of dollars, and all of that was really false. Afghanistan had not transformed into denmark, but afghanistan does not need to be denmark. Itjust needs to be afghanistan. And so what we have to recognise is that this is not an afghanistan problem, this is a Humanity Problem on a modern Day Frontier between barbarism and civilisation. On tuesday us president Joe Biden said he doesnt regret his decision the us State Department Spokesperson ever prices speaking. Irate the us State Department Spokesperson ever prices speaking. Ever prices speaking. We are committed ever prices speaking. We are committed to ever prices speaking. We are committed to supporting ever prices speaking. We are committed to supporting afghanistan and its people. That commitment remains. ,. ,. , remains. The flights you mentioned will be landing remains. The flights you mentioned will be landing daily, remains. 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And these new at 1200 as of today. Im sorry, did| i miss that . And these new flights starting i miss that . And these new flights starting daily today . They i miss that . And these new flights starting daily today . Starting daily today . They will starting daily today . They will start daily in the coming starting daily today . They will| start daily in the coming days. Starting daily today . They will start daily in the coming days. Our focus is on increasing the tempo of our relocation operations. We have a solemn and sincere Response Ability to these brave afghans and many circumstances and in many cases at great personal risk to themselves have worked with the united states over the past 20 years. We are going to honour that responsibility and increase the pace of those relocation plans. Increase the pace of those relocation plans. Im sorry, i missed that. Relocation plans. Im sorry, i missed that. On relocation plans. Im sorry, i missed that. On the relocation plans. Im sorry, i| missed that. On the Embassy Relocation plans. Im sorry, i missed that. On the embassy when relocation plans. Im sorry, i missed that. On the embassy when you say it will remain open, will it remain open in the current location . Let me be very clear, this is a point where i want to leave no uncertainty about. The embassy remains open, we continue our diplomatic work from our Diplomatic Mission in afghanistan. We will continue to do the priority functions. That includes supporting peace and security, assistance, cooperation on counterterrorism. Consulate services as we have been talking about. Especially in the context of the special immigrant visa programme. We are always come as i sat at the top, reviewing the environment and especially complex Operating Environments and of course that includes kabul. So this announcement is really a continuation of one of our most important responsibilities and that is doing all we can to ensure the Safety And Security and welfare and Well Being of our people. As you know went on Order Departure in kabul on April 27 with an eye to the security environment, but since then going forward we are going to continue to prioritise these key areas knowing that our partnership with the afghan government and our partnership with the afghan people will be enduring and so that will continue. � ,. ,. ,. ,. , continue. And you are hearing that the State Department continue. And you are hearing that| the State Department Spokesperson command he has confirmed the embassy in kabul is open but the us troops are involved in efforts to pull out staff. Also they are speeding up Relocation Programmes Operations for afghans, so many in kabul and elsewhere now trying to get out of tHe Country. Lets talk to someone that knows afghanistan well. Ashleyjackson is a researcher at the global Affairs Thinktank Odi who has carried out extensive resarch on civilians living under taliban control in afghanistan, herat and potentially kandahar there is a sense in washington of having to react to the Situation Thatis having to react to the situation that is changing extremely fast. Yes. What you are hearing her and by the way he really dodged the question about what was happening and where the embassy was going to be and i think there will be continued Speculation And Pressure on the us government on these questions of are they going to stay and in what form . I dont think the ministration thought events would unfold this quickly presumably with regard to the larger cities and now potentially kandahar following. And that i think has really caught a lot of people off guard, but there were national security estimates months ago telling us that this is what was likely to happen. Maybe not at this pace or before The End of the month but in a way this is not a shock of what is happening, its just the timing which we have just got to be on guard. Timing which we have ust got to be on uuard. ,. , on guard. There have been Talks Auoin on on guard. There have been talks going on and on guard. There have been talks going on and on on guard. There have been talks going on and on between on guard. There have been talks going on and on between the. On guard. There have been talksl going on and on between the us, on guard. There have been talks going on and on between the us, the taliban, the so called Peace Talks and do you think the us has been deluding itself . I and do you think the us has been deluding itself . Deluding itself . I think the us needed to deluding itself . I think the us needed to get deluding itself . I think the us needed to get out. Deluding itself . I think the us needed to get out. I deluding itself . I think the us needed to get out. I think deluding itself . I think the us| needed to get out. I think that deluding itself . I think the us needed to get out. I think that was the decision of the previous president , President Biden has upheld that decision and stayed the course essentially. He delayed the us getting out a bit to do a review to really try and push the Peace Process one last time to really get both parties, the government and the taliban and dragging their heels in this process, and say they dont need to negotiate. Of course staying the course on leaving it seems. For the course on leaving it seems. For the us thats what this process is about, its about getting out. But it has been really clear over the past 2a to 48 hours it has been really clear over the past 24 to 48 hours and at least at this point is not going to reconsider that decision. Stat; this point is not going to reconsider that decision. Stay there want to come reconsider that decision. Stay there want to come back reconsider that decision. Stay there want to come back to reconsider that decision. Stay there want to come back to you reconsider that decision. Stay there want to come back to you and just i want to come back to you and just look for the moment at what happens if the afghan military is overrun. Before they were removed from power in 2001 by us and foreign troops, the taliban rules were a strict inter of Sharia Law. With public executions of people who commit adultery or murder. Amputation for those found guilty of theft. Girls could not attend school after the age of ten. While television, music and the cinema were all banned. It is unclear how many of these rules would return if the taliban seized full control of afghanistan, but reports from those areas theyve already taken show that many of these brutal punishments are back. The afghan ambassador to the us, adela raz, told the bbc that the threat of such throwbacks is why the afghan government can not consider surrendering to the taliban. People of afghanistan have been once they are when the Taliban Regime was in power, and we truly have seen what it meant for women, what it meant for young men, what it meant for education, what it meant for Human Rights. It was the continuation of atrocities. And that was not even too long, but we are still seeing the same evidence in certain provinces that they are taking control over. They are killing women because she was dressed inappropriately, there killing a comedian, a historian, they are killing journalists. So we truly know that surrender means to surrender to atrocities and tyranny. Those concerns are real. However theres also hope the taliban wont revert back to stricter rule to prevent a return of foreign military intervention. Heres the head of the british armed forces, general Sir Nick Carter. I think they dont want to become north korea. I think they know that they have got afghan people now who have seen, over the last 20 years, what it might be like to have a flourishing media, civil society, education, women at work, women in government. I think they have seen all of that. Now, i hope that if trying to govern all afghans they will take account of those afghans who formed that civil society. Whatever may happen, there surely has to be a political compromise and whether that means a taliban government, whether that means a government in which power is shared, that remains to be seen and very much depends upon what happens over the next few weeks on the battlefield. It may also depend on what happens in terms of the taliban coordinating with other militant groups. Lets go back to Ashley Jackson now. Militant groups. Lets go back to ashleyjackson now. You have done a lot of research on exactly this. What do you make of links or Co Dependence between the Taliban And Alqaeda . Co dependence between the taliban and Al Qaeda . The codependence between the Taliban And Alanda . Codependence between the Taliban And Alqaeda . ,. , and alqaeda . The us agreement with the taliban obviously and alqaeda . The us agreement with the taliban obviously ended and alqaeda . The us agreement with the taliban obviously ended last the taliban obviously ended last september and included a counterterrorism pledge, but very vaguely worded. The taliban do not have to renounce alqaeda or have to cut relations. They do not have to expel the few alqaeda figures that we think are left in tHe Country, and thats the issue right now. Alqaeda is not seen as a threat by most governments. The question is if the taliban returns to power will they give space to these groups as they give space to these groups as they did before 9 11 . The taliban right now theres no consensus on movement about this. They are reticent to denounce these groups because they are incredibly popular among the taliban rank and file. They are seen as these mujahedin that helps rid tHe Country of the occupation. But by the same token they do, as Sir Nick Carter said want to be a legitimate and recognised government and to do that you cannot be seen to be harbouring or supporting alqaeda or other groups. I think the taliban so far as long as they are fighting a War Thatis as long as they are fighting a war that is the priority. They have not made any decisions about this relationship, they are trying to balance things and try to get through this next phase and get the victory in their view and make a decision about all of these issues, but certainly i think its a concern that a lot of people share but one which we really do not know which way its going to go and how its going to happen. Way its going to go and how its going to happen here in the uk more than half A Million Gcse Students in england, wales and Northern Ireland have achieved another set of record results, with both the proportion of students getting top grades and those achieving pass rates rising slightly from last year. It follows a second year in which exams were replaced with the assessments of teachers. From leeds our Education Editor Branwen jeffreys reports on the results and the implications going forward. Call results day, it were slightly up call results day, it were slightly up overall. For some like sophie complete delight. Im up overall. For some like sophie complete delight. Up overall. For some like sophie complete delight. Im so happy you have done way complete delight. Im so happy you have done way better complete delight. Im so happy you have done way better than complete delight. Im so happy you have done way better than i complete delight. Im so happy you l have done way better than i thought i did. Ive got a nine, have done way better than i thought i did. Ive gota nine, and nine, Drama Gota nine. I did. Ive got a nine, and nine, drama got a nine. Drama got a nine. Girls got two thirds of the drama got a nine. Girls got two thirds of the top drama got a nine. Girls got two thirds of the top Grade Drama got a nine. Girls got two thirds of the top Grade Nines i drama got a nine. Girls got two thirds of the top Grade Nines in J Thirds of the top Grade Nines in england. They also edged ahead for the first time in maths with teacher assessed grades, top grades remain higher than before the pandemic. Admit a lot more nerve racking than probably normal would be. I got admit a lot more nerveracking than probably normal would be. I got more than i probably normal would be. I got more than i hoped probably normal would be. I got more than i hoped for probably normal would be. I got more than i hoped for and probably normal would be. I got more than i hoped for and im probably normal would be. I got more than i hoped for and im just probably normal would be. I got more than i hoped for and im just really than i hoped for and im just really proud than i hoped for and im just really proud of than i hoped for and im just really proud of myself. Than i hoped for and im ust really proud of myselfh than i hoped for and im ust really proud of myself. They kept learning throu~h proud of myself. They kept learning through lockdowns proud of myself. They kept learning through lockdowns and through lockdowns and Self Isolation. Knowing it was harderfor some in Self Isolation. Knowing it was harder for some in the year group. I do know some people that struggle with online learning because they do not have, they have a bad Internet Connection or not have the proper newest laptops that work fast. I think its fair to say there is a disadvantage. fist think its fair to say there is a disadvantage. Think its fair to say there is a disadvantage. Think its fair to say there is a disadvantaue. � ,. ,. ,. , disadvantage. At the school of the i a. Disadvantage. At the school of the gap between disadvantage. At the school of the gap between better disadvantage. At the school of the gap between better off disadvantage. At the school of the gap between better off and gap between better off and disadvantaged group slightly wider. At the starkest difference is north to south. The pandemic is not created the differences between the north and south, but many fear it has entrenched them. With schools across the north of england experiencing some substantial disruption during School Meals were struggling financially. The school bought laptops, offered support and more than a third of pupils here qualify for extra funding. It has been a tough year. For extra funding. It has been a tough year for extra funding. It has been a tou~h ear. ,. ,. ,. , ~ tough year. Families who are working reall hard tough year. Families who are working really hard to tough year. Families who are working really hard to have tough year. Families who are working really hard to have face tough year. Families who are working really hard to have face challenges i really hard to have face challenges around their own working environments, when they are expected to be working, how theyre working for home. And our students affected take some of that Burden And Pressure. Take some of that burden and ressure. � take some of that Burden And Pressure take some of that burden and ressure. � ,. , pressure. And the results, Northern Ireland pressure. And the results, Northern Ireland had pressure. And the results, Northern Ireland had the pressure. And the results, Northern Ireland had the highest pressure. And the results, Northern Ireland had the highest grades pressure. And the results, Northern Ireland had the highest grades butl ireland had the highest grades but in wales grades remained higher than before the pandemic. Melissa got her results today. She was signing up at couege results today. She was signing up at college for one of the new T Levels in health and social care. And for most students that what grades are, the passport to the next step. I was sinned u the passport to the next step. I was signed on for the passport to the next step. I was signed on for a the passport to the next step. I was signed up for a levels the passport to the next step. I was signed up for a levels that the passport to the next step. I was signed up for a levels that a the passport to the next step. I signed up for a levels that a couple of different colleges and then i heard about T Levels and decided that the more practical side appealed to me more thanjust sitting in a classroom all day. But for colleges sitting in a classroom all day. But for colleges there is a challenge. With more getting better results its hard to work out if students need extra help. So they are running a six week welcome programme here. So we have a group of 20 students, there will be coming in with differenT Levels of skills, abilities and knowledge. The real challenge that have for those students is making sure that they are on the right programme at the right level, and we are going to be able to support them to stay in their learning and be successful. Students are relieved to have got through this last year. But next year, exams are back and thats a different challenge. Weve got a comprehensive wrap of the brutal heatwave in Europe And North africa. First italy which has issued Red Alerts for extreme heat across several regions. Yesterday, the island of sicily, may have registered the highest temperature ever recorded in europe 48. 8 degrees celsius. The heatwave is fuelling wildfires across the south of tHe Country as our Rome Correspondent Mark lowen reports. After fires and floods, a biblical heatwave. Sicily with whats believed to be the highest temperature ever recorded in europe, 48. 8 degrees. Much of Southern Europe is sweltering and its people are sweating. Translation its a strange summer but we have always had the desire to | travel. Our children had to stay home all the winter because of Covid I9 Lockdown is so now we are doing everything to make them happy. Red alerts are in force across italy, with the mercury likely to soar again tomorrow. Those who can try to cool off. But in this ageing country, there is concern about the vulnerable. Spain too is scorching, with temperatures set to hit the mid to high 40s, the shady squares are the best spots. Thermometers from the pandemic are put to other use. Its been prompted by this, an anticyclone, an area of high atmospheric pressure where the air is sinking. This one is called lucifer, apt for those in its wake. And its stoking wildfires, around 500 new blazes ravaging italy last night. The worst in the south. At least four people have died over the past week. Translation this year has been i difficult for us because of the i intense heat. Next year, we hope to be able to start our prevention works earlier so we can prevent fires, especially in woods and particularly here. The firefighters are still battling to keep the flames at Bay But Man versus lucifer takes a superhuman effort. Mark lowen, bbc news. Lets turn to greece. Hundreds of firefighters are battling to contain new Flare Ups in wildfires. THe Countrys most severe heatwave in decades fanned blazes which have burnt through 100,000 hectares of forests and farmland. Have a look at these Satellite Pictures from the island of Evia One of the worst affected areas. The picture on the left is taken on the 1st of august. The picture on the right was taken 10 days later. Were told the damage on the island is some of the worst int He Country since 2007. Earlier, the greek Prime Minister held his first News Conference since the fires broke out. Translation the Climate Crisis is here, and it shows us that everything must now change from the orientation of our economy to our national energy policy, from the functioning of the state to the daily habits of citizens that concern the environment. Wildfires are still raging in algeria fuelled by a heatwave in northern africa. At least 65 people are now known to have died. The conditions are brutal. Here residents in one Village Use Water hoses and Tree Branches to fend off the flames. Elsewhere the army has been deployed to fight the fires. 28 of the fire victims are soldiers. You can see here the devastation. Entire homes destroyed. Residents have fled to shelter in hotels, hostels and university accommodation. Lets turn to turkey. Last week we brought you pictures of the wildfires that ravaged its southern coast now the north of tHe Country has been hit by another disaster Flash Flooding. This is kastamonu in turkeys black sea region. Cars were swept away when a River Overflowed 70 kilometres inland, turning this street into a river. There was a scramble to rescue those who were stuck. This Drone Footage shows a woman being saved by an extendable ladder. Others climbed onto the roof of a Petrol Station as the waters rose. This gives you a better idea of the devastation. Homes completely destroyed. Were told six people have died. 12 villages are without power. This hospital had to be evacuated when it became inundated. There is though some reprieve heavy rainfall is expected to ease on friday. Berza simsek from bbc Turkish Servicejoins me from london. What are you hearing about the flooding . What are you hearing about the floodin . ~ ~ , , what are you hearing about the floodinr . ~ , , flooding . Well, Turkey Pulp my Resident Flooding . Well, Turkey Pulp my president has flooding . Well, Turkey Pulp my president has just flooding . Well, Turkey Pulp my president hasjust basically flooding . Well, Turkey Pulp my president hasjust basically updated president has just basically updated the number of people who have been killed in three cities, 17 people have been killed due to the floods. And the official numbers, the officials are saying about 4500 people are joining the Rescue And Research missions, and the number of people who arejoining research missions, and the number of people who are joining this Search And Rescue mission is giving you an idea about the vastness of the disaster. And basically the images coming from those regions are being evacuated from the rooftops or their homes, or rescued by boats and there will be acquitted so far from these cities. Oi will be acquitted so far from these cities. , cities. Of the government still firuhtin cities. Of the government still Fighting Wildfires . Cities. Of the government still Fighting Wildfires . Most cities. Of the government still i Fighting Wildfires . Most wildfires are under control, Fighting Wildfires . Most wildfires are under control, sometimes i Fighting Wildfires . Most Wildfires L are under control, sometimes they are under control, sometimes they are like small fires occurring and many of them are now being under control they can quickly interfere with them and suppress them now. Thank you very much with getting us up thank you very much with getting us up to date. Thats our rep of what is happening on our key weather story, stay with us for more on bbc outside source. Hello there. Low pressure continues to bring windy conditions for scotland, Northern Ireland, plenty of blustery showers further south. Quite a bit of cloud across Southern England and thats mostly broken up to have some late sunshine through the evening. The area of low pressure continues to pass to the north of scotland. And for the windy weather here, and heavy showers that as well. Further south a lot of clear skies about one or two showers and a breezy day to come across the more windy in the northwest committees are when spieth like could be up to 30 or 40 mph and exposure. A fairly mild night to come and more mild across the north of the uk do what we had previous nights. Higher pressure for the south, and a breezy day across the board but windy again for scotland and particularly where we have lots of showers piling in to western areas, best of any sunshine towards the east. Mother ireland and a brighter day for the South And Temptress respond we could see 25 May be 24 degrees. For the weekend looks fairly mixed, an area of low pressure working its way in from the atlantic, it doesnt look like its going to get very far eastwards and also its going to begin through the weekend. Some uncertainty to the amount of rain were going to see from this Weather Front which will push across the oversee area but for the Moment Exec is more central parts of tHe Country which could see slashes of rain. It should stay dry it with some sunny spells, 22 or 23 degrees in the south given sunshine, high teens in the north. For sunday the Weather Front spreads eastwards but are we getting feature. Variable amounts of cloud through sunday, could see some showery rain for Northern Scotland and perhaps Northern Scotland and perhaps Northern England. And if you showers perhaps for Southern England as well. The details of this could change. So in some sunshine in the south could feel fairly warm. If you showers are likely across northern and eastern parts into the start of the new week but generally i think you should see a lot of fine weather with sunshine and feeling cool. Hello, im philippa thomas, this is outside source. In afghanistan the taliban continue their advance, Capturing Herat and poised to take kandahar. The two cities are their biggest gains so far in their rapid sweep of tHe Country. We hearfrom a kandahar resident. The prison as already broken prisoners are out they are already attacking the governor house. I dont know what else to expect from them. ,. , , dont know what else to expect from them. ,. , , them. The us has ust confirmed it will send troops them. The us hasjust confirmed it will send troops to them. The us hasjust confirmed it will send troops to kabul them. The us hasjust confirmed it will send troops to kabul to them. The us hasjust confirmed it will send troops to kabul to help i will send troops to kabul to help with the evacuation of staff from the embassy. We will cross live to washington. In other news, the heatwave continues across much of southern Europe And North africa, fanning the flames of devastating wildfires. From heatwave to wildfires to this Flash Flooding the latest disaster to hit turkey, this time in the north of tHe Country. Lets return now to our top story, and the situation in afghanistan. The taliban have reportedly seized the countries third largest city, herat, and are poised to Take Kandahar The Second largest. And while taliban fighters continue to seize cities on the ground, there are unconfirmed reports in doha that the afghan government has offered the militants a possible power sharing agreement. But what does their stunning advance mean for daily life in afghanistan . My colleague Yalda Hakim has interviewed two high Profile Figures in the taliban Chain Of Command see what you think of their answers. Afghanistan 2021. The taliban are back, taking city after city from government forces. The withdrawal of foreign troops has left a Power Vacuum the taliban are rushing to fill. If they take power, many people here fear a return to their brutal regime of the � 90s, characterised by public executions, stonings and girls being banned from school. Despite the historic Peace Deal that was signed between the us and the taliban in february 2020, and the ongoing Peace Talks taking place in doha, qatar, between the afghan government and the taliban, no progress has been made. I travelled to doha to meet with Suhail Shaheen, a member of the taliban peace negotiation team. If you were to return to kabul, how would you govern . There was in the past some mistakes that we have learned from, because at that time we were new to government. To stop education of women and girls, that is not our goal. Of course, education is their right, and it is much needed. While Suhail Shaheen continues to talk about peace, its clearly not a view shared by Taliban Commanders Closing in on afghanistans cities. Back in kabul, a taliban commander from helmand agreed to meet me. What do you want . Do you want the Taliban Regime to come back into power, or do you think there should be a Power Sharing Deal with the current government, like the discussions that are being had in doha . Translation we would be happy to have a joint government under. The umbrella of islamic sharia, a sharia based system in afghanistan, like the system the taliban used to have. If we talk about Law And Order and justice, if someone were to steal or commit adultery, what should happen to them . Translation all this is clearly stated in the koran. If someone steals, there is a punishment. For example, for some thefts, the punishment is cutting off the hand and foot. And, if someone commits adultery, then they should be stoned. And, if there isnt a political resolution to this conflict, are you prepared to take kabul by force . Translation | am tryingj to defeat the government. And they are trying to make me disappear. In The End, well be compelled to kill one another. Increasingly, it appears there is a disconnect between what is being said by the political office in doha and what the taliban commanders and foot soldiers are doing on the ground in afghanistan. But the Vice President of afghanistan remains defiant. This group in doha, they are a deceptive side of a very dark reality called the taliban. So, in your view, have they changed . No, not only they have not changed, they have become more savvy in deceiving. With the government adamant to defy a new era of Sharia Law and the taliban making significant gains, afghans now seem to be caught up in a savage war that has taken on a life of its own. Yalda hakim, bbc news, kabul. We have just heard that another Key Provincial Calf and a Waistcoat Car has just fallen to the to have a band. Wesco car. The us State Department has said they will send troops to kabul to evacuate the american embassy. Lode troops to kabul to evacuate the american embassy. Troops to kabul to evacuate the american embassy. We are reducing our Civilian Footprint american embassy. We are reducing our Civilian Footprint in american embassy. We are reducing our Civilian Footprint in kabul american embassy. We are reducing our Civilian Footprint in kabul in our Civilian Footprint in kabul in light of the evolving security situation. We expect to draw down to record diplomatic presence in afghanistan in the coming weeks. In order to facilitate this reduction, the Department Of Defence will temporarily deploy additional personnel to the airport. Gary odonoghuejoins Gary Odonoghue joins me from washington. Do we have any more detail on more trips being needed to be sent to . It detail on more trips being needed to be sent to . ,. ,. ,. , be sent to . It seems that around 3000 troops be sent to . It seems that around 3000 troops may be sent to . It seems that around 3000 troops may go be sent to . It seems that around 3000 troops may go back be sent to . It seems that around 3000 troops may go back to be sent to . It seems that around 3000 troops may go back to the | 3000 troops may go back to the airport in kabul to facilitate that drawdown as he heard there from ned price they are not saying how much they are moving from the embassy but they are moving from the embassy but they are moving from the embassy but they are reducing to what they call a court of the Medic Presents and this was not the to have to send troops back into tHe Country when the drawdown is well over 95 complete and do to be completed by The End of the month but the circumstances on the ground have necessitated it. They are insisting the embassy will remain open although they were press very hard over whether the embassy will remain in its kabul situation inside the city or whether it will be relocated to the airport and they really would not commit on that in the long term. There are also so many afghan civilians desperate for american help to get out. Yes civilians desperate for american help to get out civilians desperate for american help to get out. Yes and some of those have help to get out. Yes and some of those have already help to get out. Yes and some of those have already got help to get out. Yes and some of those have already got out help to get out. Yes and some of those have already got out and i help to get out. Yes and some of i those have already got out and have already arrived here in the united states. Those drivers, translators, others who have worked for the Us Military, us embassy and also some who have worked for other agencies associated with the us government. They are trying to process those fees as quickly as possible. They say they will be committed to those consular services going forward. But there is also a lot of people who work directly in the embassy, more than half of the american Embassy Staff are afghans, and they will be wondering what is happening to them and whether or not they will be part of this evacuation because their fear is that they will be targeted if kabul was overran by the taliban and they were found to have worked directly for the americans. Gary and they were found to have worked directly for the americans. Directly for the americans. Gary we are seeinr directly for the americans. Gary we are seeing city directly for the americans. Gary we are seeing city after directly for the americans. Gary we are seeing city after city directly for the americans. Gary we are seeing city after City Fall directly for the americans. Gary we are seeing city after City Fall to are seeing city after City Fall to the taliban butJoe Biden is very emphatic that the us withdrawal was the right thing to do for he have public support for that view . There is not a lot public support for that view . There is not a lot of public support for that view . There is not a lot of resistance public support for that view . There is not a lot of resistance to public support for that view . There is not a lot of resistance to be is not a lot of resistance to be honest here in terms of Keeping Troops in afghanistan. They have been there 20 years. It is americas longest war, all of those think we have heard repeated and for her Campaign Trails across this country for several years now. For Campaign Trails. There is no changing of mines appearing on that, they will remain to be engaged and put pressure on the taliban in qatar during these talks and indeed the americans and others are there today trying to persuade the taliban that they will face international isolation if they would try to reception was called the Islamic Emirate Of Afghanistan under that five Year Rule of the taliban. And whether the taliban is susceptible to that, people suggesting that they have become very savvy about making the right noises internationally whilst planning to continue to do exactly what they did before on the ground, we will have to see but clearly the levers that are open to the us and other countries are somewhat diminished at the moment given the military reality on the round. ,. , given the military reality on the uround. ,. ,. , given the military reality on the round. ,. ,. ,. , ground. Gary we have ust had a Wind Dro as ground. Gary we have ust had a Wind Drop as well ground. Gary we have just had a Wind Drop as well confirming ground. Gary we have just had a Wind Drop as well confirming the ground. Gary we have just had a Wind Drop as well confirming the way ground. Gary we have just had a Wind Drop as well confirming the way your| drop as well confirming the way your characterising this deployment the us saying the department of us air forces to Kabul Airport is not about Us Military re engaging in the convent, it is about withdrawing some civilians. Gary odonoghue in washington, thank you. Two Covid 19 updates. In a moment well turn to New Zealand but first, australia. A single case of Covid 19 has triggered a Snap Lockdown in the capital, canberra. It is the first case of coronavirus in the city in more than a year, 400,000 people live in the city. Heres the territorys chief minister. The act will enter into a seven Day Lockdown from 5pm tonight. This decision is as the result of a positive Covid 19 case in the territory, a case that has been infectious in the community. We also have positive Waste Water detections around the act. We do not currently know the source of the infection, but extensive investigation has been under way for many hours. This is the most serious public Health Risk that we have faced in the territory this year, really since the beginning of the pandemic. The announcement has sparked scenes that may remind you of the beginning of the pandemic massive queues of people panic buying Essential Supplies and empty shelves at supermarkets. It comes as australia is struggling to get on top of the highly infectious delta strain. Two of its largest Cities Sydney and melbourne are already in strict lockdowns. Sydney has been locked down for seven weeks now yet infections there remain near their highest. Some local council areas are set to see restrictions tightened even more as they border the Canterbury Bankstown Council area, which currently has the highest number of Covid 19 cases in sydney. Residents are not happy about it. Mate its getting ridiculous. Like, ive got friends that are talking to me about committing suicide. Honestly, its gone crazy. Divorce, ive got other friends getting divorced. People cant keep up with their finances. Itsjust getting too tough man to be honest, i hope things do get better and we can open up again. I mean its tough on everyone to be honest. I dont think anybody� s left out of this and just to be even more limited i guess its not fun for anyone. Neighbouring New Zealand is keeping its borders closed until The End of the year as part of an Elimination Strategy to keep Covid 19 out and the economy open. Heres Prime Minister jacinda ardern. Ive previously said that the border has acted like a collective armour for New Zealand, protecting us against the virus. The trick with vaccination is to move to each of us having individual Armour And Meaning we need to rely less or at least less not only on border settings. Vaccines are the Game Changer in this pandemic but for them to be successful, we need as many people as possible to be vaccinated. New zealands borders have been shut for 18 months, in one of the worlds most successful efforts in controlling the pandemic. The nation of Five Million people has reported just 26 deaths and has zero current infections. It has managed to completely stamp the virus out. Ardern has said tHe Country can return to normal only when the rest of the world does too. She acknowledges its been difficult for the people of New Zealand. That is not to say the response has been without cost. The impact of Border Closures has been very tough. It has impacted on loved Ones Family and friends being separated, industries accessing skilled Employment Or Kiwis just missing their personal sense of connection. Just one of the reasons that i believe that this year has felt so hard. In 2020, we knew what we had to do. In 2021, we want to know that things will get back to normal eventually. However there is some good news coming in the new year. Heres shaiima khalil on that. Later this year, a new Trial Scheme is going to start and it will allow a selected number of vaccinated passengers to come into new Zealand And Self isolate at home as opposed to Hotel Quarantine and then from 2022 and we dont have a solid date on that yet but a new risk based system is going to be put in place. Essentially, it is different expectations and requirements of Isolation And Quarantine depending on whether the passenger is fully vaccinated and which area they come from, whether its a high or low risk area. New Zealand Citizens are able to return to New Zealand but they must quarantine in a government managed Isolation Facility for two weeks. Lloyd burr is currently in Hotel Quarantine after having just travelled back from the uk. Lloyd, good morning and thanks for being with us On Outside source. I want to hear some of your story because you have gone through not only Quarantine But Covid itself. Welcome to my bedroom, this is the Rydges Hotel in noble rotorura, a bus turns out to an army sergeant, they have to haul off and tested and put a Temperature Gauge in your ear and all types of and then you get drunk off here for 14 days and that is somebody coming in and it is really stringent. You get dragged off here. I have had covid twice this is my second time in an iq because i came back last year and just as i was meant to leave to come back to New Zealand from the uk, i tested positive and i had to isolate in the uk. I had to recover and get a negative test and come here but the testing here is so stringent that if they pick up a weak positive tested me so i have been stuck in my room since i have arrived and ive given more blood and more swabs to test and hone in what type of variant this is, i am double vaccinated but they are still keeping me in my room here. Yes we have this Road Map about what they would do in the new year by people who are double vaccinated being able to self isolate at home but here i am someone who is double vaccinated still in this isolation quarantine system. It is a tricky one for the government and they have been figuring out what to do for her and time now but where they go from here is really interesting. find time now but where they go from here is really interesting. Is really interesting. And you have been hearing is really interesting. And you have been hearing from is really interesting. And you have been hearing from a is really interesting. And you have been hearing from a lot is really interesting. And you have been hearing from a lot of is really interesting. And you have been hearing from a lot of other. Been hearing from a lot of other people, New Zealanders stuck outside the Home Country who have not seen family and friends for so long. It is really hard to get these miq spots was at this spot i had to plan backin spots was at this spot i had to plan back in march. When you go onto the website and you go and you look at when you want to come back and then you have to book it and then return to them and 24 hours with the flight being conferred, so it is hard to get the spots and there are a lot of kiwis all over the world trying to get back some even plan to get back injanuary and february and other in january and February And Other People who employ people who sit there on the computers and dig in through all the data to try and lock in these spots so it is hard to get a spot and very competitive. This news from jacinda ardern, i would not call it a Road Map, i would say a vague outline and this will come as welcome news to some people but a lot of kiwis are living in high risk zones like in america, the united kingdom where covid has ravaged them so those people was to have you go into miq. �. ,. , x into miq. Lloyd burr good luck with our into miq. Lloyd burr good luck with your quarantine into miq. Lloyd burr good luck with your quarantine and into miq. Lloyd burr good luck with your quarantine and thanks into miq. Lloyd burr good luck with your quarantine and thanks for your quarantine and thanks for spending a little bit of it here with us On Outside source. Stay with us On Outside source still to come. The hacker in one of the biggest Cryptocurrency Heists in history has handed back much of the loot. A teenage human Rights Campaigner in london, has sent an open letter to the foreign secretary, calling for urgent help for chinas uyghur muslims. Dilnaz kerims father claims he was tortured in china and had to flee after teaching islam. Adina campbell has been to meet to dilnaz and herfather. I have seen them personally and them saying they dont exist is wrong because i have met them. They say that my family are living a happy life but on the other hand we hear that they have been sentenced for ten years, 12 years for practising religion. Ten years, 12 years for practising reliaion. ,. , ten years, 12 years for practising reliaion. ,. , ten years, 12 years for practising reliaion. , religion. Thousands of miles away from their loved religion. Thousands of miles away from their Loved Ones religion. Thousands of miles away from their Loved Ones in religion. Thousands of miles away from their Loved Ones in china, i from their Loved Ones in china, 18 year olds Dilnaz Kerim and her father are campaigning forjustice. Father are campaigning for justice. Justice father are campaigning forjustice. Justice from the chinese authorities who sent kerim to prison in the 19905. , ~ , who sent kerim to prison in the 1990s. , ~ ,. , 1990s. They kept beating them up, brinuain his 1990s. They kept beating them up, bringing his hands 1990s. They kept beating them up, bringing his hands with 1990s. They kept beating them up, bringing his hands with cigarettes, | bringing his hands with cigarettes, hanging them by the hands like that. And he said that at The End of his imprisonment which was six months along, he was unable to stand up. Kerim fled china after serving his time Injailfor National Kerim fled china after serving his time in jail for national hatred and holding a protest, crimes he denies. He and his family say the Uighur Community in northwest china are still at risk and continue to face brutal abuse by the authorities because of their cultural background. How do you feel about the chinese authorities . Then;r background. How do you feel about the chinese authorities . The chinese authorities . They are killin the chinese authorities . They are killing people. The chinese authorities . They are killing people, they the chinese authorities . They are killing people, they are the chinese authorities . They are killing people, they are torturing | killing people, they are torturing people in concentration camps. Forcibly sterilising and were raping women. We forcibly sterilising and were raping women. ~. , forcibly sterilising and were raping women. , women. We asked the chinese embassy for a response women. We asked the chinese embassy for a response. They women. We asked the chinese embassy for a response. They have women. We asked the chinese embassy for a response. They have previously i for a response. They have previously denied all allegations of Human Rights abuses. Dilnaz and her family now live in london but fearfor the wives of their other relatives who they havent seen in six years. They havent seen in six years. The lives of. This is outside source live from the bbc newsroom. Our Lead Story is the taliban have captured afghanistans third biggest city, herat and are on the verge of taking the second largest, kandahar, as they drive out government forces with astonishing speed. As they drive out afghan government forces. They have taken lakshar gar. The hacker behind one of the largest Cryptocurrency Heists to date has returned almost half of the 600 Million worth of stolen assets. On tuesday, the firm affected, Poly Network wrote this letter on twitter, asking the individual to get in touch to work out a solution. The hacker then posted messages pledging to return funds. They started sending back small transfers of a few dollars to the online wallets controlled by poly but then began making much larger deposits, totalling hundreds of millions. On wednesday, Poly Network posted this message saying it had received 260 Million back. And the hacker published this three page long Q A session in the form of a self interview, in which he claims to have always planned to return the tokens. Our Technology Reporter Joe Tidy explains. They are claiming in a Queue And Day with a have effectively interviewed themselves that this was part of the plan, they did this to provoke change at Poly Network to avert the company to a vulnerability in its surface. A Q A. But a lot of people ask why the Bragging And Boasting about wandering the money and making off with its . And a lot of people are saying it does not add up of people are saying it does not add up but that is what the hacker is a saying and they claim to be in the process of returning all the money. Bright and they are holding about 260 Million worth which is not a bad little nest egg, is it . But they are waiting for a new wallet to be supplied by Poly Network and they will start to give all the Money Back but a very strange twist which i havejust learned in the back but a very strange twist which i have just learned in the last few hours is that the hacker is asking for donations by the Crypto Community to in effect thank them for handing the Money Back and somehow, that Donation Pot has already reached 4000. It is extraordinary already reached 4000. It is extraordinary and already reached 4000. It is extraordinary and it already reached 4000. It is extraordinary and it shows just already reached 4000. It is extraordinary and it showsjust how extraordinary and it shows just how powerful hackers can be. And how powerless the unregulated, decentralised Cryptocurrency World is when someone swipes a large fortune from under its nose. Some experts think the case could threaten the very nature of the Crypto Community. Amber macarthur is a Technology Expert and Web Strategist and joins me from toronto. Welcome to outside source. What do you think about the hacker giving Money Back . It you think about the hacker giving Money Back . Money back . It certainly is interesting. Money back . It certainly is interesting. I Money Back . It certainly is interesting. I dont Money Back . It certainly is interesting. I dont know i Money Back . It certainly is i interesting. I dont know how Money Back . It certainly is interesting. I dont know how far we should go in terms of uploading the hacker. This has been the biggest ever Cryptocurrency Heists to. At The End of the day he did steal 600 Million worth of crypto and that is a significant amount of money that individuals have invested but i suspect in the days to come this story is going to get more and more interesting. find Story is going to get more and more interestinu. �. Story is going to get more and more interestinu. ,. , ,. , interesting. And what does the Story Sa to ou interesting. And what does the Story Say to you about interesting. And what does the Story Say to you about the interesting. And what does the Story Say to you about the security interesting. And what does the Story Say to you about the security of interesting. And what does the Story Say to you about the security of the l say to you about the security of the system of using Block Chain platforms . I system of using Block Chain platforms . System of using Block Chain latforms . ~. , , platforms . I think what it says is that even though platforms . I think what it says is that even though we platforms . I think what it says is that even though we talk platforms . I think what it says is that even though we talk about | platforms . I think what it says is that even though we talk about Block Chain is being such a secure way in terms of being able to have a ledger to store information and for financial transactions like this, i think it shows that there are vulnerabilities. And i know there are many people who dont like to talk about regulation because they like that this is unregulated but at The End of the day, there is a reason that we have regulation especially when it comes to financial investments like this because if you think of all those individuals who were investing any type of digital assets through this company Poly Network, what do they do now . Who do they turn to . This isnt like a typical financial institution where you can pick up the phone and get online and chat with a chat bot, you just have no real recourse. With a chat bot, you ust have no real recourseh real recourse. There is both Risk And Decentralisation real recourse. There is both Risk And Decentralisation lack real recourse. There is both Risk And Decentralisation lack of and Decentralisation Lack of regulation as part of the attraction of the whole system i guess. How does it make you feel about The Future of cryptocurrency and how bright that future is . The future of cryptocurrency and how bright that future is . Future of cryptocurrency and how bright that future is . The truth is if ou bright that future is . The truth is if you think bright that future is . The truth is if you think about bright that future is . The truth is if you think about people bright that future is . The truth is if you think about people who bright that future is . The truth is i if you think about people who invest in cryptocurrency, we know in the us alone there is about 13 14 of the population that does invest in crypto, those people tend to not be very risk averse so they know that there is a risk that goes along with this. For me personally it makes me wonder a bit about The Future of cryptocurrency when we see hacks that are this large. I think it really takes the steam out of the fact that people have been talking about Block Chain being so secure for so many years and i think it may make us some people really think twice about investing in Crypto In The Future. Abs, twice about investing in Crypto In The Future The Future. A quick thought, it makes me The Future. A quick thought, it makes me think The Future. A quick thought, it makes me think that The Future. A quick thought, it makes me think that the The Future. A quick thought, it makes me think that the word The Future. A quick thought, it makes me think that the word hackers tends to be negative. Sometimes hackers are there to show up flaws in the system. Hackers are there to show up flaws in the system in the system. That is absolutely true. In the system. That is absolutely true there in the system. That is absolutely true. There are in the system. That is absolutely true. There are plenty in the system. That is absolutely true. There are plenty of in the system. That is absolutely true. There are plenty of a in the system. That is absolutely i true. There are plenty of a friendly hackers out that that are hired by large corporations who are hired to find vulnerabilities in any type of system and so when we think about hackers we think about that evil hackers we think about that evil hacker sitting in the hoodie in a Basement Hacking away but there are friendly hackers out there. I dont know if this Person Or Group of people is that because at The End of the day we still have to remember that they did steal this amount of crypto, and they are taking a couple of days to give it back. Goad crypto, and they are taking a couple of days to give it back. Of days to give it back. Good point. Good point of days to give it back. Good point. Good point to of days to give it back. Good point. Good point to finish of days to give it back. Good point. Good point to finish on. Of days to give it back. Good point. Good point to finish on. Amber of days to give it back. Good point. | good point to finish on. Amber mac thanks very much and just time to remind you of our top story. The Tablet Band continues its astonishing sweep across afghanistan capturing another key city, the Provincial Capital of helmut coming in the last few minutes. They have taken the third biggest City Herat and they appear to be on the verge of taking the second largest kandahar. That would be a hugely symbolic again. End of the devoutness the us State Department confirming in the last hour they will send troops to kabul to help with the safe evacuation of staff from the american embassy and in the past few minutes the uk has also announced it is to point trips to kabul to help british nationals leave. Much more on the Bbc Website and we will keep you up to date here as well. Thanks for being with us here in outside source. The Tablet Band. Hello there. Low pressures continue to bring windier conditions for scotland and Northern Ireland. Plenty of blustery showers further south. We have had quite a bit of cloud across Southern England in particular, but thats mostly broken up so we will have some late sunshine. Through the evening, though, that area of low pressure continues to pass. The north of scotland, thats going to bring the further windy weather here and further showers. Particularly Western Scotland and into parts of Northern Ireland, some heavy showers there as well. Further south, a lot of clear skies and a bit of cloud here and there, just one or two showers perhaps. And a breezy day to come across the board, windy in the northwest. These speeds, costs could be up to 30 or 40 mph in exposure. A fairly mild night to come, and a milder night certainly across the north of the uk than what we had previous nights. So, for friday we have that low pressure to the north of the uk. Higher pressure further south, so it does mean we will see a North South Divide through the day. Again, a fairly breezy day across the board but windy again for scotland in particular where we will have lots of showers piling in, particularly to western areas. Best of any sunshine would be towards the east. For Northern Ireland, but certainly for england and wales a dry and bright day with some sunny spells around, a brighter day in the south compared to thursday. Temperatures could see 23 or maybe 24 degrees. For the weekend it looks fairly mixed, we have got an area of low pressure working its way in from the atlantic. It does not look like its going to get very far, though, eastwards and also its going to weaken through the weekend. So there is some uncertainty to the amount of rain we are going to see from this Weather Front which will push across the irish sea area, but for the moment it looks like its more central parts of tHe Country which could see some splashes of rain. Up to the south of it and to the north it should stay dry with some sunny spells. 22, 23 degrees in the south given some sunshine, high teens in the north. And then for sunday the Weather Fronts spread their way eastwards, but it is a weakening feature. So i think we will see varying amounts of cloud through sunday. Could see some showery rain through Northern Scotland, perhaps Northern England and Southern Scotland and a few showers for Southern England as well. Then through the day in between some good spells of sunshine, the details of this could change so stay tuned to the forecast. But in some sunshine in the south it could feel fairly warm. A few showers are likely across northern and eastern parts of the uk into the start of the new week. Generally i think you should see a lot of fine weather with some sunshine but feeling cool. This is bbc news, the headlines. The taliban captured smart cities, that the us and the united states are sending troops to evacuate Embassy Staff. Record grades for Gcse Students in england, wales and Northern Ireland, after exams were cancelled for a second year. Some teachers say the assessments are more accurate than exams. They have been accessed and awarded results on the merits of what they have produced and that cannot be taken away from them. The nhs Waiting List in england hits a record high, of almost five and a half million. A change in Self Isolation rules in Northern Ireland the bbc understands fully vaccinated people who are a close contact of a Covid Case will no longer have to stay at home