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.

Threats

‘There Is No Afghan Government’: NATO Stops Aid To Afghanistan As Taliban Take Over

Stoltenberg says aid could resume to an “inclusive government." And at the White House: “We will have to take a hard look at how we proceed on any basis at all.”

Policy

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

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

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.

Threats

Taliban Take Presidential Palace as Kabul Falls With Americans, Afghans Still Trapped

U.S. races yet another 1,000 troops to Kabul. Total force on ground to jump to 6,000 within days.

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.

Science & Tech

Startup Offers Tool to Help Predict, Coordinate Action on Orbital Collisions

A multi-company pilot program will test Slingshot Aerospace's chat-and-track software.

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.

Policy

First Afghan Interpreters Arrive in Virginia

More than 200 Afghans are expected to spend a week at Fort Lee before being resettled.

Threats

Biden’s 6-Month Clock On Russia-U.S. Nuke Talks Starts Now

Officials met for the first time in Geneva on Wednesday. They’re set to come together again in September.

Policy

US Will End Combat Mission In Iraq, Biden Says

US needs to 'divert more of our body on threats in China and Russia,' says Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Gen. Hyten

Policy

Pregnant Cadets, Midshipmen Must Give Up Their Child Or Their Career. Two Senators Want To Change That.

Sens. Ted Cruz and Kirsten Gillibrand have introduced a bill to give pregnant students at military schools more options.

Policy

Transfers Alone Won’t Close Guantanamo Bay

Legal experts say the Biden administration must fix the sluggish trial process to actually close the military prison.

Policy

First Wave of Afghan Interpreters Head to Fort Lee

Arriving families will stay for the moment in barracks or other housing; the State Department will pick up their food and medical costs.

Policy

Officials Deny American Troops Are Pulling Out Of Iraq as Strategic Talks Near

Biden will likely discuss the future of the American troop presence in Iraq when the prime minister visits Washington this month.

Policy

A US-German ‘Window of Opportunity’ Is Closing, Experts Warn

If Biden is to persuade Germany — and NATO's European allies — to take a more aggressive stance toward China, he may have to do it before Angela Merkel steps down.

Threats

French, U.S. Special Forces Agree to Beef Up Partnership in Africa

The new agreement shows that counterterrorism will still be a top focus for the Pentagon.

Policy

Afghans Own Whatever Comes Next, Biden Says

Rejecting critics, President Joe Biden said the United States isn’t responsible for Taliban gains, civilian deaths, or worsening women’s rights after American troops leave.

Policy

Fighter Jets Leave Afghanistan as US Departs Bagram

Withdrawal from the mammoth base comes as officials continue to seek access elsewhere in the region.