Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Bombing in Kabul Kills 103, Injures 235 More

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital, on January 27, which killed 103 and injured 235 more. The bomb, hidden in an ambulance, was one of the deadliest in recent Afghan history.

The attack comes as the Taliban terrorists are growing their reach in the country. The Taliban has an active presence in 70% of the country, according to a new BBC study, with outright control in 4%. As recently as October 2017, the Taliban only had a major presence in 44%. The Taliban’s struggle comes as the United States has ramped up its efforts to dislodge the group from influence in the country.


Trump’s State of the Union Lays Out New Goals for White House

President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union as President on Tuesday, in which he laid out various proposals going forward along with touting what he views as the successes of his Presidency so far.

In the speech, Trump laid out a number of plans for the next year, most notably plans for massive infrastructure spending and immigration reform. With respect to infrastructure spending, Trump called for a $1.5 billion package which would work to build new and repair existing roads and bridges across the United States. The bill’s high cost would be paid through a combination of federal grants, state grants, and private partnerships.

In the way of immigration reform, Trump called for an end to “chain migration,” in which immigrants can work to bring their extended families to the United States. Trump’s proposal calls for such privileges to be limited to immediate family members. In addition, Trump’s plan calls for a path for citizenship, over twelve years, for the so-called “Dreamers,” who were children when their parents brought them to the US illegally. With this, Trump made clear that border security would need to be assured, most notably through his plan for a wall, at least in part.

Trump also praised the Republican tax bill passed late last year, saying it will increase the disposable income of millions of Americans and stimulate economic growth.