New Taliban government ‘more of the same,’ says Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

iStock/Trent Inness

(KUWAIT CITY) — The United States has not seen evidence that the Taliban’s newly formed government will be as inclusive as promised, and it appears to be “more of the same” with “many of the same actors,” according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

“I think the whole international community was hopeful that they would be inclusive as they kind of said they would be weeks and months ago,” Austin told a small group of reporters traveling with him to the Middle East. “But we’ve not seen evidence of that early on, and so it appears to be many of the same actors.”

Austin said the U.S. and the international community would continue “to listen to what they’re saying, but we’re watching what they’re doing and right now it just seems that it’s more of the same.”

The Taliban’s new government includes several leaders of the Haqqani network, including the group’s de facto leader Sirajuddin Haqqani, who was named as interior minister. The Haqqani network has been directly tied to violent attacks against American troops over the last two decades.

“We don’t get a choice, a vote in that but, but certainly these are people that I don’t look favorably upon personally, but again, it’s the Taliban government,” Austin said when asked about the inclusion of Haqqani network leaders in the government.

Austin said the United States has “put the Taliban on notice” that it expects them not to allow al-Qaida to regenerate — something he said would demonstrate that they “are serious about being a bona fide government and respected in the international community.”

“They want sanctions lifted, and that sort of business so they have goals and aspirations,” said Austin. “If they demonstrate that they’re going to harbor terrorism, and in Afghanistan, all of that will be very very difficult for them to achieve.”

“I think the international community will hold them to task, quite frankly,” Austin said. “But again our goal is to make sure that that terror cannot be exported from the spaces in Afghanistan to the homeland, and we will remain focused.”

But he acknowledged that al-Qaida and ISIS-Khorasan “will always attempt to find space to grow and regenerate, whether it’s there, whether it’s in Somalia, whether it’s in any on any other ungoverned space,” he said. “I think that’s the nature of the organization.”

He added that the U.S. military would address any terrorism threats to the United States with its “over the horizon” counterterrorism drone strike capability.

But not having U.S. troops or U.S. intelligence on the ground in Afghanistan may make it more difficult to identify threats and carry out such strikes, something Austin acknowledged to reporters earlier this week.

A veteran of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past two decades and a former commander of U.S. Central Command, Austin embarked on his trip to thank the leaders of Persian Gulf states that provided assistance for the airlift that evacuated 124,000 people from Afghanistan.

“The ability to shuttle back and forth and lift out as many people as we did as fast as we as we did could not have happened without partners and in this region, and in Europe,” said Austin.

Beyond the airlift, his goal is “to always reassure them that first of all, we’re a global nation of global interests, and, and this region will always be important to us,” he said.

“We will have to shift our stance from time to time to focus on what we describe as our main effort and and that’s understandable,” Austin said. “But, but we will always be interested in what is going on in this region.”
 

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New Eric Clapton live album/video featuring intimate performance recorded during lockdown due in November

Mercury Studios

Eric Clapton will release a new live album and video called The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions on November 12 that features the guitar legend playing a mostly acoustic set with select members of his touring band.

The intimate performance was recorded at the Cowdray House country mansion in West Sussex, U.K., with no audience except for Clapton’s wife, Melia. The show featured Eric performing some of his best-known original songs, several blues classics and covers of two memorable Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac tunes: “Black Magic Woman” and “Man of the World.”

Slowhand was joined for the performance by bassist Nathan East, drummer Steve Gadd and keyboardist Chris Stainton.

Lady in the Balcony, which you can pre-order now, will be available as a DVD/CD or Blu-ray/CD set, a 4K UHD/Blu-ray collection, a two-LP set pressed on yellow vinyl, as digital video and audio versions, and as a Deluxe Edition package featuring the DVD, Blu-ray and CD housed in a 40-page hardback photo book. In addition, a standalone CD version will be sold exclusively at Target.

Among the classic songs from Clapton’s back catalog featured on Lady in the Balcony are “After Midnight,” “Bell Bottom Blues,” “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven.”

The performance was organized after Clapton’s May 2021 concerts at London’s famed Royal Albert Hall were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s the full track list of Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions:

“Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out”
“Golden Ring”
“Black Magic Woman”
“Man of the World”
“Kerry”
“After Midnight”
“Bell Bottom Blues”
“Key to the Highway”
“River of Tears”
“Rock Me Baby”
“Believe in Life”
“Going Down Slow”
“Layla”
“Tears in Heaven”
“Long Distance Call”
“Bad Boy”
“Got My Mojo Working”

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Matt Damon admits he’s been running a secret Instagram account that boasts a whopping 76 followers

ABC/Randy Holmes

Matt Damon has finally joined Instagram, but don’t expect to find his account anytime soon.

Speaking with GQ, the 50-year old actor confessed that the reason he’s never joined any social media platforms is because he “just never saw the point [of them.]”

“And I feel better and better about that decision as time goes on,” he continued, before admitting that he does have “a very private Instagram account” for the sole purpose of staying connected with friends and their families.

“I have 76 followers and I’ve done 40 posts since 2013,” he boasted, noting that the photos he shares are also of his family — mainly his three daughters, IsabellaStella and Gia, goofing off.

When elaborating on why he decided to stay off all other social media platforms, Damon said, “I understand wanting to be connected to everybody on Facebook, but my life is so full and I’m connected, really, to everybody I need to be connected to.”

“And then Twitter,” he deadpanned, “I just reflexively didn’t believe that my first knee-jerk response to something was necessarily something that should go all over the world.”

Damon is referencing the controversy he fell into at the start of the #MeToo movement, where he called the movement a “watershed moment” during a 2018 interview.  His statements turned him into a lightning rod for criticism.

“95 percent of the stuff [said about me] was entirely unhelpful, it was just Twitter-bashing stuff, which did put me in a defensive crouch,” he recalled.

Damon is among a small group of A-list celebrities who have refrained from sharing on social media, including Scarlett JohanssonEddie MurphyGeorge Clooney and Emily Blunt.

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Stevie Wonder to headline ‘Global Citizen Live’ concert September 25 in LA

Global Citizen Live

Stevie Wonder has been added to the list of stars performing around the world during the 24-hour series of Global Citizen Live concerts on September 25.

The 25-time Grammy winner will headline the Los Angeles concert, which will also feature H.E.R., Chloe X Halle and many more.

“It is again my pleasure and honor to join with all of the artists who are using their gift of song to celebrate the Global Citizens’ event by doing our part in working against global warming, starvation and singing for equality around the world,” Wonder said in a statement.

It was also announced Thursday that Nile Rodgers & Chic will perform at the Global Citizen Live concert in London

“I see ‘Global Citizen Live’ as a megaphone that can point the power of the people directly at those with the ability to make the worldwide, systemic changes needed to protect the most vulnerable people and to defend our planet,” Rodgers said. “It’s our job to cry out when promises aren’t fulfilled. We want to encourage our leaders to ensure there are good times ahead for everyone.” 

As previously reported, Jennifer Lopez, Lizzo and Meek Mill will be among the artists performing at the New York City concert.

In addition to the LA, London and New York concerts, shows also will be simultaneously held on September 25 in Paris; Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; and Lagos, Nigeria.

ABC News Live will broadcast the full event starting at 12:30 p.m. ET on September 25. Tickets for Paris, New York City, and Los Angeles can be earned by taking action at GlobalCitizenLive.org.

The goal of Global Citizen Live is to encourage people to call upon world leaders, philanthropists and politicians to prioritize vaccine equality, climate change and famine.

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Watch all three of Elton John and Lil Nas X’s new UberEats commercials

Lil Nas X: Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET; Elton: George Pimentel/WireImage

When Elton John announced Wednesday that he was going to be in an UberEats commercial with Lil Nas X, we didn’t expect to get three separate commercials — and three sets of fabulous costumes, to boot.

Each ad is part of UberEats’ ongoing “Tonight I’ll Be Eating” campaign, in which celebrities detail what they’ve ordered and had delivered via the online platform.  The first one, “Rides,” shows Elton riding a coin-operated kiddie rocket ride, while Nas is on a similar one in the shape of a horse.

After each singer describes their food order, Elton asks Nas to loan him some money to gets his ride started, but Nas doesn’t understand him because Elton uses the British slang words for money: “bones,” “lolly” and “bangers and mash.”

Finally, an exasperated Elton says, “I don’t have any money!” to which Nas responds, in a British accent, “You don’t LOOK broke!”

The second clip, “Mayo vs. Ketchup,” features Elton announcing that he’s ordered a club sandwich with fries, with mayo on the side.  Nas, who’s sitting in a clump of flowers wearing a Louis XIV-style wig and playing a sitar — because why not? — responds, “Mayonnaise? On fries?” Elton responds, “A little judgy, don’t you think?” to which Nas adds, “That’s weird.”

The third clip, “Legendary Looks,” features Nas dressed in the multi-colored spangled feather outfit Elton wore on The Muppet Show, while Elton’s wearing a pink cowboy outfit like the ones Nas wore while promoting his song “Old Town Road.”

“You look amazing!” gushes Elton.

“No, YOU look amazing,” responds Nas.

“Thank you,” replies Elton.

“Thank you,” says Nas. They go back and forth before Elton finally says, “You’re welcome.”

As previously reported, Elton and Nas have recorded a duet with will appear on both their upcoming albums.

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3 microwave hacks TikTok is obsessed with to elevate the way you reheat

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(NEW YORK) — Ah the microwave, a simple kitchen appliance that is either overlooked and underutilized or a frozen food fan’s best friend.

But there are new practical reheating hacks for home cooks that are going viral online.

Isabella Avilla has racked up over 900K likes and counting with her video of microwave hacks.

Avilla’s advice was threefold:

1. Put your dish on the edge of the rotating surface vs. in the middle so that it can fully rotate around and ensure that the food gets cooked evenly.

2. Save time and cook two things at once by adding a bowl or mug underneath the dish to create additional height and more surface area.

3. To reheat pasta or pizza, she suggests adding a cup of water to release moisture which stops the carbs from getting overly chewy or hard.

Try these tips next time you’re in the kitchen and put it to the test and check out other viral TikTok food hits here.

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Kanye West simultaneously tops Billboard’s songwriters and producers charts

PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP via Getty Images

Kanye West has found himself in charge of two other Billboard charts, thanks to his new album, Donda.

For the first time in his career, the “Stronger” rapper simultaneously leads the Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot 100 Producers charts.  Ye is both a co-producer and co-songwriter on the album’s 27 tracks.  

This makes Kanye 12th artist to accomplish the feat and one of four acts to achieve the feat this year, including Dan NigroFinneas and J. Cole.

West also leads a third chart, the Billboard 200.  As previously reported, Donda is the biggest release of 2021 after moving a jaw-dropping 309,000 units in its first week.  Yeezy’s album was streamed 357.39 million times, the largest number of any album this year, and sold 37,000 physical copies.

He also could be making his way atop the Hot 100, with his track “Hurricane” blowing into the top ten, currently resting in sixth place.   Another Donda track, “Jail,” is hovering at number 10.

“Off the Grid” and “Ok Ok” follow behind at number 11 and 12, respectively, while “Junya” and “Moon” debut at number 16 and 17, respectively.

Ye has one other track in the top 20, with “Praise God” in the 20th spot.

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“I am so honored”: Carly Pearce reacts to CMA nominations

Allister Ann

Carly Pearce has crossed a major career threshold with her two nominations at the 2021 CMA Awards. 

Carly is nominated for the first time for Female Vocalist of the Year, alongside Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Gabby Barrett and Ashley McBryde.

She’s also a first-time nominee for the coveted Album of the Year award for her critically acclaimed 29. Carly’s the only woman in nominated the category, a point she acknowledged in a celebratory post after the nominations were unveiled.

“ALBUM OF THE YEAR NOMINEE. To see 29 recognized like this, it blows me away,” she writes on Twitter. “To be the only woman in the category, well, that speaks to the hunger people have for real life… even when it’s the tough stuff.” 

“To be included this year with so many incredible peers and vocalists makes me feel like people can hear the truth I try to carry in my voice. I am so honored,” she adds of her Female Vocalist of the Year nod. 

Carly took home her first CMA win in 2020 for Musical Event of the Year for “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” featuring Lee Brice

The CMA Awards air on November 10 on ABC.

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Machine Gun Kelly earns first RIAA Platinum album with ‘Tickets to My Downfall’

Credit: Sam Cahill

A whole lot of people bought tickets to Machine Gun Kelly‘s Downfall.

The rapper-turned-rocker’s 2020 punk-influenced album Tickets to My Downfall has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. It’s the first MGK record to achieve that feat, which recognizes one million units certified.

“As of today, Tickets to My Downfall is officially our first album to go platinum,” Kelly tweeted Wednesday evening.

The news comes at a fitting time, as Kelly is launching a U.S. headlining tour in support of Tickets to My Downfall Thursday in Minneapolis.

Meanwhile, Kelly just premiered a brand-new song, “Papercuts,” in August. He’s performing the tune alongside his Tickets to My Downfall producer Travis Barker at this Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards.

“Papercuts” is the lead single off the upcoming Machine Gun Kelly album Born with Horns, which will also be produced by Barker.

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Muslim Americans confront legacy of 9/11 Islamophobia: ‘Unspoken tragedy’

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(DEARBORN, Mich.) — Twenty years and 600 miles from Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan, the nation’s largest Arab Muslim community is still quietly reeling from the 2001 terror attacks and a psychological blow dealt to Islamic American identity.

“This is, perhaps, the unspoken tragedy of what happened two decades ago,” said Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

The group of terrorists who claimed to be acting in the name of Islam, taking nearly 3,000 innocent lives, set off a wave of Islamophobia in America that many peaceful and patriotic Muslims said still reverberates years later.

“People associate people who look like us with an event that we didn’t create,” said Rima Imad Fadlallah, a Michigan native and co-host of the Dearborn Girl podcast exploring Arab American female identity. “We, quite frankly, shouldn’t be made to feel like we’re apologizing for others.”

Over the past two decades, Muslim Americans have reported in public opinion surveys a near constant scrutiny of their religion and skepticism of their patriotism that’s triggered a quiet struggle over the meaning of citizenship, faith and belonging.

“Ours is a community that continues to be ‘otherized,'” said Petra Alsoofy, who studies public opinion of Islam with the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, a nonprofit group created in Michigan in 2001 to help combat misconceptions about Islam.

“Are you American? Are you a Muslim? Is there a conflict between these identities? Actually what the research shows,” said Alsoofy, “is the stronger the religious identity, the stronger the American identity.”

ABC News Live traveled this month to Dearborn, Michigan, home to thousands of American immigrant families from Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, to hear directly from residents and community leaders about the lasting impact of the 9/11 attacks.

Many lamented the uncomfortable spotlight that comes with each Sept. 11 anniversary and many worried the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan this month will rekindle a focus on religious extremism.

“Once again, when you turn on the TV these days, it’s showing all these Muslim radicals,” said Imam Ahmed Qazwini of the Islamic Institute of America in west Dearborn. “And this reflects on my religion that we share the same name — Islam — but there is nothing else. There’s no other common denominator.”

The sleepy suburb on the outskirts of Detroit — home to Ford Motor Company — has become a model for the peaceful co-existence of American Muslims, Christians and Jews, all thriving together.

“Maybe politics is separating people from each other, but the coffee is bringing them to one table,” said Ibrahim Alhasbani, owner of Qawah House, a popular local shop serving up steaming pots of aromatic Yemeni brew along the city’s main drag.

Dearborn is an oasis of global cultures and cuisines, home to a regional health care hub, transit point for railroad freight and producer of sausages that bear the city’s name. It’s also home to the largest concentration of Muslims in the United States.

“We have many unique communities here and everyone kind of retains their identity,” said 30-year-old mayoral candidate Abdullah Hammoud, who will become the first Muslim to lead the city if he’s elected this fall.

But Dearborn’s success as a diverse and growing Rust Belt city — and claim to the nation’s largest mosque, the Islamic Center of America — have also made it a frequent target.

Since 2001, outsiders have used the city as a stage to advance conspiracy theories, bigotry and hate. Some political extremists have maligned it as “Dearbornistan” and mocked its high school as “Hezbollah High,” despite the fact that neither the city nor its residents have had any connection to terrorism.

“This community has been the epicenter of anti-Muslim hate and xenophobia,” Walid said. “President (Donald) Trump’s rhetoric allowed people who harbored anti-Muslim bigotry, racism and xenophobia — gave them license to say it publicly and act upon it.”

An ABC News review of FBI hate crime data from the past two decades found that the number of reported anti-Muslim incidents spiked nationwide immediately following Sept. 11, 2001, but never fully returned to pre-2001 levels.

“When it comes to school bullying, workplace discrimination and harassment by government officials — this has steadily gotten worse,” said Walid.

Three in four Muslims nationwide reported experiencing “a lot” of discrimination in American society, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted 16 years after the attacks. Half of all U.S. adults in the same survey said they believed Islam is still not part of mainstream society.

“If you asked me to choose where my American and Muslim and Arab identities start and end, I would not be able to do that,” said Yasmeen Kadouh, co-producer of the podcast with Fadlallah. “I think post-9/11 we really were made to feel like they were mutually exclusive, which is kind of hard to grapple with.”

“I don’t remember a world before 9/11, and I do know as a kid, you don’t know what racism is, but you feel it,” she added.

Imam Qazwini, who grew up in Dearborn and whose father was a community faith leader on 9/11, said more American Muslims are recognizing the need to knock down myths about their faith.

“9/11 had a huge impact on Muslims living in the U.S.,” Qazwini said. “We need to be more vocal. We need to speak out and show America what the real religion of Islam is. It’s a peaceful religion, a religion of love.”

A grassroots movement of young Muslim Americans — like Kadouh, Imad Fadlallah, Hammoud and Alsoofy in Dearborn, all children back in 2001 — is now determined to change the narrative from the bottom up.

“I don’t have to put an American flag on my front porch to show that I’m patriotic. I am patriotic because I love this country,” said Imad Fadlallah. “If my parents — people who came here with little opportunity, heavy Middle Eastern accents — are able to be that bold, I have no excuse to put up with things that I shouldn’t have to put up with.”

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