Policy

More Seats Than Passengers: Paperwork, Taliban Slow Afghanistan Evacuation

But the pace is picking up. Some 6,000 "will soon board planes," a State Department spokesman said.

Exclusive Policy

Trump’s Pledge to Exit Afghanistan Was a Ruse, His Final SecDef Says

Chris Miller now says talk of a full withdrawal was a “play” to convince a Taliban-led government to keep U.S. counterterrorism forces.

Policy

‘All the Signs Have Been There’ Predicting Afghan Security Force Collapse, IG Says

For more than a decade, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction has been warning about “ghost soldiers” and corruption to anyone willing to pay attention.

Policy

Air Force Launches Investigation Into Deadly Kabul C-17 Flight

Mobbed by civilians, the Globemaster crew raced to get back in the air. The service’s investigations office will look into the deaths that followed.

Policy

US Ramps Up Emergency Kabul Airlift to Get 5,000 to 9,000 Out Per Day

American commanders are in direct talks with Taliban, who now control all outside access to the airport

Policy

Biden: ‘I Stand Squarely Behind My Decision’ on Afghanistan

The president acknowledged that Kabul fell to Taliban control faster than he expected.

Policy

Inside Reach 871, A US C-17 Packed With 640 Afghans Trying to Escape the Taliban

The Air Force evacuation flight from Kabul to Qatar came near the record for most people ever flown in the Boeing airlifter.

Policy

Panic at Kabul Airport Imperils Evacuation Flights; At Least Two Afghans Dead

U.S. warns that any attacks on evacuation will meet “a forceful response,” but how long will the Taliban hold off?

Policy

Foreign Governments Scramble To Leave Afghanistan Amid Violence and Chaos

"It’s sad that the West has done what it’s done," says UK defense secretary as NATO, UN, G7 react to Taliban takeover.

Ideas

We Never Did What Was Necessary in Afghanistan

We lost. It’s painful and infuriating, but a few more troops and a little more time would change nothing.

Policy

Some Veterans Say Republicans are Blocking Their Ability to Vote

Democrats and veterans groups say the bill would expand access to early and mail-in voting, which can make voting easier for disabled veterans

Policy

Biden’s Allies Defend Afghanistan Withdrawal Amid Taliban Surge

“Another fifty years wouldn’t change anything,” said Sen. Chris Murphy.

Policy

Pentagon Sends 3,000 Troops to Secure Kabul Airport as US Evacuates Embassy Staff, Interpreters

Secretary Austin is also requesting additional military aircraft be ready to assist, rapidly get personnel out.

Policy

US Army Picks Naval Special Agent to Lead Investigative Command

The first appointment of a civilian director is part of a restructuring prompted by the Fort Hood review.

Policy

Spacesuits and Lawsuits Put 2024 Moon Landing in Jeopardy

Two lunar-exploration spacesuits won’t be ready, a new report says, while bid protests have held up work on the lander.

Policy

NSA Awards Secret Up-to-$10B Contract to Amazon

A Microsoft protest of the decision has revealed some details about the U.S. intelligence community's second multi-billion dollar cloud award of the year.

Policy

COVID-19 Vaccines Will Become Mandatory For Troops Next Month—or Sooner

Biden says he will approve Austin's recommendation to require vaccinations by mid-September, or sooner if the FDA formally approves them.