The Americans Left Behind in Afghanistan

[babylonsister]

This is disturbing if true...


The Americans Left Behind in Afghanistan
Frantic efforts to rescue U.S. citizens.
By
Aug. 17, 2021 10:46 am ET



The chaotic nature of the U.S. exit from Afghanistan has shocked American allies and Americans too—including numerous U.S. citizens who are now trapped inside the Taliban-controlled territory. Some American journalists, contractors and aid workers in the country may have made the mistake of believing President Joe Biden’s July assurances and are now desperately seeking a way out.

Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin writes:

As the situation on the ground in Afghanistan’s capital continues to deteriorate, thousands of U.S. citizens are trapped in and around Kabul with no ability to get to the airport, which is their only way out of the country. As Taliban soldiers go door to door, searching for Westerners, these U.S. citizens are now reaching out to anyone and everyone back in Washington for help. The Biden administration must get moving on a plan to rescue them before it’s too late.

There will be plenty of time later to look back on how and why the 20-year American intervention in Afghanistan failed so miserably, why the U.S. withdrawal was so badly mismanaged and how the U.S. government failed to predict that the Taliban would take over the country with almost no resistance. But right now, the No. 1 job of the U.S. government and the roughly 7,000 U.S. troops in or on their way to Kabul must be to rescue American citizens first and then all the Afghans who risked their lives based on America’s promise of safety... President Biden didn’t address the issue of how the U.S. government will assist Americans who aren’t already at the airport during his remarks to the nation Monday afternoon.

more...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-americans-left-behind-11629211589

[Kota]

1. I think I heard at the press conference this afternoon that

they started telling Americans months ago to make arrangements to get out. They choose to stay till the end.

[snowybirdie]

2. Haven't they been aware

That we were leaving? The Trump plan was for several months ago. So they ignored that and now want rescue. People need take charge of their own lives if they want to live in a war zone.

[Klaralven]

3. I heard Taliban have blocked access to the Airport & are only allowing foreign nationals through

If true this should reduce chaos at the airport and expedite the departure of foreigners.

[XanaDUer2]

4. I feel terrible

you must monitor, however, the political situation closely under such circumstances, like a hawk. I hope this doesn't turn into a hostage situation

[marble falls]

5. They were living in Afghanistan without a backup plan. They'll get out fine without the press ...

... weeing all over itself.

Joe Biden has done a great job.

[honest.abe]

6. "As Taliban soldiers go door to door, searching for Westerners"

I dont think this is accurate. I have not heard any other reports of westerners being hunted down by the Taliban. Sounds like sensationalistic journalism.