Afghanistan.
President Trump laid out his Administration's strategy for the war in Afghanistan last night, announcing the US
will remain in the country to target Taliban and Al Qaeda. While no specifics were mentioned - Trump said he would no longer announce specific troop levels or timetables for withdrawal - analysts expect the strategy to come with a modest increase in troop levels,
adding about 4,000 to the existing 8,500 soldiers currently on the ground. Trump also broadened on-the-ground authorities, granting more autonomy to military officials in the field to pursue the Taliban. The move reverses Trump's campaign stance on the 16-year mission - whose operation cost since 2001 is
estimated at $840 billion - which he
often criticized. Large chunks of the country are under ISIS or Taliban control, with the Afghan government securing only 65% (
see map).
College Football.
The Associated Press released its
preseason Top 25 yesterday, with Alabama claiming the top spot, followed by Ohio State, Florida State, USC, and defending national champions Clemson. It's the fourth time in eight years the Crimson Tide have claimed the top spot to start the season - though the Tide have
failed to win the championship the three previous times they started top-ranked under coach Nick Saban. Alabama will also marquee the opening weekend on September 2nd, facing #3 Florida State in a
neutral-site match up in Atlanta. The Tide are also
Vegas favorites to win the championship at 5/2 odds, followed by Ohio State (9/2), USC (7/1), Florida State (9/1), and Oklahoma (12/1).
Barcelona.
Spanish police
shot and killed a man suspected of leading an attack that killed 13 and injured more than 130 people in Barcelona last Thursday. Younes Abouyaaqoub -
captured on camera leaving the scene of the attack after driving a van into a crowd of pedestrians - killed a 14th victim during a car jacking, escaping through a police barricade and sparking an intense, days-long manhunt, before being detained in the town of Subirats. The attack was part of a coordinated effort that included a Wednesday explosion in the town of Alcanar that killed two, and a Friday vehicular attack in Cambrils that killed one (
see map of attacks). Officials suspect a cell
of up to twelve was behind the attacks, with all either killed or apprehended
except one.
