Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken told CNN on Sunday that ensuring the safe evacuation of Americans was “job No. 1” and said the Biden administration was “doubling down” on efforts to help Afghans who had worked for the U.S. government. Ordering an evacuation too early could deal a psychological blow that would speed the collapse of Afghan forces and the government in Kabul. “But at the same time, there is an overriding obligation to protect U.S. Embassy staff and citizens from harm. The Taliban advance was so stunningly rapid, I expect it was difficult to balance these competing demands.”

Source: International New York Times August 15, 2021 23:14 UTC