Today's D Brief: Deadline drama in Kabul; Taliban’s ‘red line’; VP Harris in Singapore; Conference wire latest; And a bit more.
By Ben Watson
August 24, 2021
The D Brief
America’s top spy met the Taliban’s top leader in Kabul on Monday, the Washington Post reported Tuesday morning, emphasizing, “the discussions likely involved an impending Aug. 31 deadline for the U.S. military to conclude its airlift of U.S. citizens and Afghan allies.” The U.K., Germany, and Turkey are also interested in a deadline extension, according to Pajhwok News.
A Taliban spokesman warned of unspecified “consequences” over extending that deadline, according to an interview Tuesday with Sky News. “It’s a red line,” Suhail Shaheen said. “If the U.S. or U.K. were to seek additional time to continue evacuations—the answer is no. Or there would be consequences. It will create mistrust between us. If they are intent on continuing the occupation, it will provoke a reaction.”
The Taliban’s newest message for the U.S.: Leave by August 31, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Tuesday morning in a press conference (via Tolo News).
The Taliban’s newest message to Afghans: Stop trying to leave, especially if you’re a doctor or an engineer, Zabihullah also said in that presser.
https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2021/08/the-d-brief-august-24-2021/184797/
