By: Meredith Francis ~Campus News Editor~

Afghanistan signs deal allowing some U.S. troops to remain in the country

The U.S. and Afghanistan have signed a pact which will allow the U.S. to keep 10,000 troops in the country after the end of 2014 when most U.S. troops will withdraw. Afghanistan’s new president, Ashraf Ghani, signed the agreement, which allows American troops and other NATO forces to support the Afghan army. Ghani believes the agreement will ensure the stability and security of the Afghan government. Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai had refused to sign the agreement. Though U.S. troops will not have a combat role, some troops will still lead counterterrorism operations.

Britain joins fight against ISIS, launches airstrikes

Britain announced it launched its first airstrikes on ISIS, the terrorist group operating out of Syria and Iraq, on Sept. 30. British planes assisted Kurdish forces with an attack on an ISIS weapons stronghold in northwestern Iraq. British forces had already been involved in reconnaissance flights in Iraq, but these mark their first airstrikes.

Oklahoma man charged in brutal murder

An Oklahoma man named Alton Nolen is being charged with murder after beheading coworker Colleen Hufford. The FBI has also joined the investigation after Nolen reportedly took interest in the violence in the Middle East. Prosecutors, however, believe that Nolen’s actions were tied to a suspension he received from work.

Second volcano erupts in Japan

A second volcano callled Mount Sakurajima erupted in Japan on Sept. 29. This eruption, which is a common occurrence on Mount Sakurajima, comes just days after Mount Ontake also erupted. The Ontake explosion has resulted in 36 deaths after hikers tried to climb the 10,062-foot volcano before it exploded. The eruption sent ash and toxic gases 1,500 feet into the air.