In just seven days, a stunning rout seemed to declare two decades of American occupation a failure. The Taliban sealed its success with a climactic week in which, one after another, the country’s major cities fell in succession. How did it happen?
FILE - In this Monday, Aug. 9, 2021 file photo, Taliban fighters stand guard in Kunduz city, northern Afghanistan. After years clawing back to power by slowly retaking rural areas of the country, the Taliban sealed its success with a climactic week in which, one after another, the country’s major cities fell in succession, with a new era ushered in on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, as the militants overtook Kabul and the president fled.
The fall of Aybak and Sar-e Pul pleases the Taliban fighters; afterward, they are seen on video relishing their victory outside one of the government buildings they now controlled. At the White House, President Joe Biden signs off on a plan to mount a full-scale evacuation of Afghans seeking to flee their country after a new intelligence analysis makes clear the country’s government and military are unwilling or unable to mount any significant resistance. Afghan special forces, left to pick up much of the burden of defending multiple fronts, are stretched increasingly thin.
She spent most of her life in an Afghanistan where girls got an education and women dared to dream of careers and she had spent the past five years working with nonprofit organizations to press for gender equality. Now, her last name is shrouded to avoid making her a target, and she hunkers down indoors with her family.
Along the Pakistani border, the provinces of Paktika and Kunar fall. In the north, Faryab province is taken. And in the country’s center, Daykundi is captured. Biggest of all, Mazar-e-Sharif — the country’s fourth-largest city, a heavily defended swath that government forces had pledged to defend — is now under Taliban control.
On normal days, Afghans in business suits and traditional dress mingle beside tattooed military contractors in wraparound sunglasses and aid workers from across the globe. Now, the panicked masses fill the airport, scrambling to leave.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Pentagon warns of worsening terrorist threat as Taliban seize AfghanistanThe Pentagon is warning that terrorist networks based in Afghanistan could gain power faster than expected after the Taliban seized control in a stunning guerrilla campaign last week
Consulte Mais informação »
Veterans of Afghan war express frustration, heartbreak watching Taliban seize powerAfter Sept. 11, 2001, many rushed to recruiting centers. Twenty years later, they wonder if the sacrifices were worth it.
Consulte Mais informação »
China And Russia Court Taliban As Western Powers Scramble To Flee AfghanistanI am a London-based reporter for Forbes covering breaking news. Previously, I have worked as a reporter for a specialist legal publication covering big data and as a freelance journalist and policy analyst covering science, tech and health. I have a master’s degree in Biological Natural Sciences and a master’s degree in the History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Cambridge. Follow me on Twitter theroberthart or email me at rhartforbes.com
Consulte Mais informação »