Rather than the six to twelve months predicted by the US intelligence services, the Taliban ended up needing just a few days to take Kabul – and with it, control of Afghanistan. Only this morning, the US was asking the Taliban to wait just two weeks until an interim government could be set up. But the US, having withdrawn its troops, ran out of leverage and the Taliban decided not to wait. Joe Biden had intended to support Ashraf Ghani, the Afghan president, but he has fled the country. Taliban officials have released photographs of themselves at his desk (below).
Britain made its own withdrawal decision long ago: we need to remember that when criticising Biden now.
Most popular
David Butterfield
Most-read 2024: Decline and fall – how university education became infantilised
The US may now have to liaise with the Taliban for the evacuation of the remaining Americans, who are being told to stay at home and not risk coming to the US embassy or Kabul airport. Defections
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in