Biden’s Ugly Exit

“With the Afghan government and military no longer able to provide cover, President Biden risks the ugliest of exits from Kabul if he blows past his promise to leave Aug. 31,” Axios reports.

“The Taliban now controls the area around Kabul’s airport. As the U.S. removes its final 5,800 troops — and shrinks the security perimeter they’ve been providing — the surest way to ensure the last soldiers and diplomats get out safely is through the grace of a grisly enemy.”

“A Taliban spokesman on Tuesday repeated the group’s stance that it will not recognize any extension past Aug. 31. That cold reality explains why Biden is sticking to his timetable, despite pleas from allies like the United Kingdom, combat veterans and outside groups trying to evacuate Afghans.”

Washington Post: Lawmakers to Biden advisers: Don’t leave Afghanistan by Aug. 31 if evacuation mission isn’t complete.