August 25, 2021
With Biden’s latest statement, we know who’s calling the shots in Afghanistan
By Andrea Widburg
The Taliban announced that they expected America to be out of Afghanistan as of August 31, even though there are tens of thousands of American citizens and Afghan allies still trapped in the country. Joe Biden did not tell the Taliban to go pound sand. Instead, he meekly agreed provided that America was still allowed to get Westerners and certain Afghan citizens to the Kabul airport during that time. Even the G7 leaders who were thrilled with Biden in June are unhappy.
The Daily Mail sums things up:
President Joe Biden told the Taliban on Tuesday that U.S. would stick to its promise to lead Kabul by Aug. 31 if it stuck to its agreement to allow Westerners and vulnerable Afghans free passage to the airport.
The U.S. has ramped up its airlift in recent days amid fresh reports of human rights abuses that will fuel fears for the fate of people who worked with American troops.
Adding to the sense of urgency, the country’s new Taliban rulers said that all evacuations must be completed by the end of the month and announced a ban on Afghans traveling to the airport.
Biden said the U.S. was ‘on pace’ to complete its mission by Aug. 31 but said he had asked officials to draw up contingency plans if U.S. troops had to stay longer.
‘Each day of operations brings added risk to our troops, but the completion by the 31st depends upon the Taliban continuing to cooperate, allow access to the airport for those who are transporting out and no disruptions to our operations.
‘In addition, I’ve asked the Pentagon and the State Department for contingency plans to adjust the timetable, should that become necessary.
‘I’m determined to ensure that we complete our mission.’
more
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2021/08/with_bidens_latest_statement_we_know_whos_calling_the_shots_in_afghanistan.html
