From WSJopinion: Biden and his administration are responsible for putting Americans and our allies in harm’s way. His top priority, his only priority, has to be getting them out of Afghanistan no matter what it takes, writes The Editorial Board.
The Taliban haven’t formally taken any Americans captive in Afghanistan, at least not yet, but it’s clear that the jihadists already have the Biden Administration as a political hostage. That was obvious from Wednesday’s briefing at the Pentagon, where the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff admitted they lack the military resources and political mandate to ensure that every American is evacuated amid the Taliban control of Kabul.
The problem is the U.S. military now controls only the Hamid Karzai International Airport with about 4,500 troops. Americans, foreign nationals and some Afghans who manage to make it to the airport are able to board flights to depart. But Americans and Afghans are on their own in trying to make it to the airport, which means getting past multiple Taliban checkpoints in the city and surrounding the airport perimeter.
Mr. Austin said that, so far, the Taliban are allowing U.S. citizens who have passports to get through. But the Taliban are not letting most Afghans through, and many who are trying are beaten and who knows what else. Many Americans and Afghan allies are also spread around the country and will have to find a way to get to the airport.
Pressed by reporters on whether the military could leave the airport and get Americans, or extend the airport perimeter, or create a safe-passage corridor from Kabul, Mr. Austin said he couldn’t do any of those and keep the airport secure. That means he’s also depending on the goodwill of the Taliban to let our people and our allies go.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Planes, guns, night-vision goggles: The Taliban's new U.S.-made war chestAbout a month ago, Afghanistan's ministry of defense posted on social media photographs of seven brand new helicopters arriving in Kabul delivered by the United States.
Consulte Mais informação »
MSNBC opinion piece compares Republicans to TalibanMSNBC brought what some consider an extreme take on the Afghanistan crisis by comparing pro-life Republicans to the Taliban.
Consulte Mais informação »
China portrays the U.S. as 'weak and unreliable' to draw Taiwan closer, analyst saysRodger Baker of Stratfor said China has sought to portray the U.S. as a 'weak and unreliable power' following the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan.
Consulte Mais informação »
Tucker Carlson Has Found a New Scapegoat: Afghan RefugeesThe Fox News host warned of America being “invaded” by those fleeing the Taliban, as other right-wing voices rejected calls to provide asylum for U.S.–allied Afghans.
Consulte Mais informação »
Families of Afghanistan vets speak out: 'What matters is the value he gave to the fight'The wives of three U.S. military veterans who served in Afghanistan describe the emotions and fear about their husbands' mental health after the Taliban takeover.
Consulte Mais informação »