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Taliban blames U.S.: The Taliban, facing condemnation for a 10-day assault near the capital of southern Helmand province, on Sunday released a statement accusing the U.S. of violating their February accord by carrying out “excessive” aerial attacks in recent days. The insurgents’ own attacks have led many Afghans to question why the government is holding peace talks with the Taliban, which hardened their negotiating position after President Donald Trump said he wanted to withdraw all U.S. troops by year’s end.

Democratic power broker dies: James A. Johnson, a former Democratic campaign operative who was CEO of housing lender Fannie Mae in the 1990s and served as chairman of Walter Mondale’s presidential bid, died Sunday at 76 of complications from a neurological condition. Johnson chaired the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Brookings Institution think tank and Fannie Mae all at the same time.

China restricts exports: China has passed a new law restricting sensitive exports to protect national security, allowing Beijing to reciprocate against the U.S. as tensions mount between the sides over trade and technology.

New wrinklein Brexit, EU talks: British officials are prepared to water down Boris Johnson’s controversial lawbreaking Brexit legislation in a move that could revive failing talks with the European Union, according to people familiar with the matter. Negotiations over the two sides’ future relationship have recently stalled