Threats
Not For the First Time, COVID Takes Back Seat to a More Pressing Crisis
The evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan depends on cramming people into closed spaces—during a global pandemic.
Exclusive
Threats
Kabul Evacuee With Potential ISIS Ties Detained at Qatar Base
Up to 100 evacuees have been flagged for further scrutiny during the more comprehensive screening they received at their first stop after Afghanistan.
Science & Tech
How One Tech Entrepreneur Is Scaling Up Veteran-Led Evacuation Efforts
Volunteers in the U.S. are telling fleeing Afghans where Taliban traps are.
Policy
Biden Holds to Aug. 31 Evacuation Deadline, But Orders Up ‘Contingency Plans’ for Afghanistan Pullout
Military, contracted planes have airlifted 87,900 people from Kabul as of Wednesday—but the Taliban is now clamping down on who can leave.
Policy
US Has Evacuated 42,000 from Kabul; 16,000 in last 24 Hours Alone, Pentagon Says
The pace is still rising; Taliban have threatened “consequences” if U.S. forces remain beyond Aug. 31.
Threats
Defense Secretary Orders US Airlines to Help With Evacuation
It's only the third time in history that the U.S. airlines have been mobilized by the military.
Policy
US Helicopters Rescued 169 Americans Outside Airport; More Ops Could Follow
Biden “will mobilize every resource necessary” to save more, but U.S. has yet to test Taliban checkpoints. Meanwhile, fuel-strained air operations resume.
Policy
More Seats Than Passengers: Paperwork, Taliban Slow Afghanistan Evacuation
But the pace is picking up. Some 6,000 "will soon board planes," a State Department spokesman said.
Exclusive
Policy
Trump’s Pledge to Exit Afghanistan Was a Ruse, His Final SecDef Says
Chris Miller now says talk of a full withdrawal was a “play” to convince a Taliban-led government to keep U.S. counterterrorism forces.
Policy
‘Cannot Ensure Safe Passage’: US Tells Americans in Kabul to Get to Airport On Their Own
Biden says U.S. forces may have to stay past Aug. 31 to help evacuate stranded personnel.
Policy
US Ramps Up Emergency Kabul Airlift to Get 5,000 to 9,000 Out Per Day
American commanders are in direct talks with Taliban, who now control all outside access to the airport
Threats
‘There Is No Afghan Government’: NATO Stops Aid To Afghanistan As Taliban Take Over
Stoltenberg says aid could resume to an “inclusive government." And at the White House: “We will have to take a hard look at how we proceed on any basis at all.”
Policy
Biden: ‘I Stand Squarely Behind My Decision’ on Afghanistan
The president acknowledged that Kabul fell to Taliban control faster than he expected.
Policy
Inside Reach 871, A US C-17 Packed With 640 Afghans Trying to Escape the Taliban
The Air Force evacuation flight from Kabul to Qatar came near the record for most people ever flown in the Boeing airlifter.
Policy
Panic at Kabul Airport Imperils Evacuation Flights; At Least Two Afghans Dead
U.S. warns that any attacks on evacuation will meet “a forceful response,” but how long will the Taliban hold off?
Threats
Taliban Take Presidential Palace as Kabul Falls With Americans, Afghans Still Trapped
U.S. races yet another 1,000 troops to Kabul. Total force on ground to jump to 6,000 within days.
Ideas
We Never Did What Was Necessary in Afghanistan
We lost. It’s painful and infuriating, but a few more troops and a little more time would change nothing.
Ideas
John Allen: Biden Must Reverse His Decision to Quit Afghanistan
The administration must act now. Here’s what they must do.
Policy