“In the wake of President Biden’s withdrawal decision, the U.S. pulled its air support, intelligence and contractors servicing Afghanistan’s planes and helicopters. That meant the Afghan military simply couldn’t operate anymore.”

Let’s recap how astonishing the collapse of Afghanistan has been: before last week, the Taliban had only captured one major city since 2001 - Kunduz in 2015 - and only for a few days. Now, in the span of 8 days, they have seized everything but Kabul.

A lot of the arguments I’m seeing about Afghanistan right now amount to: “If someone can’t survive without your help, you shouldn’t help them.”

BREAKING: Afghan President Ghani has fled the country. “That’s it. It’s over,” U.S. official says

Remarkable how many fail to look past the “original sin” of invading Afghanistan in 2001 when evaluating the wisdom of withdrawing, even in a poorly-timed and poorly-executed manner. It almost seems like intentional deflection...?

I'd like to see a lot of resignations.

🚨NEW, thread: Pentagon confirms to me the Department of Defense is preparing to house thousands of Afghan refugees on American military installations, immediately including Fort McCoy in Wisconsin and Fort Bliss in Texas.

The United States has a moral obligation. Admit as many Afghan refugees as possible.

I can’t help but point out, to all those of you bent on emphasizing how the Afghan National Army “didn’t even fight” that, since 2001, nearly 66,000 brave Afghan soldiers have given their lives so that their country and government might live. Maybe show a little respect.

Follows SASC Chair Senator Jack Reed and Senate Intel Chair Mark Warner.

As chaotic and awful as the scene has been in Kabul this past week, there's reason to believe the worst is yet to come. Why? The Taliban did not just win a war. They also won a hostage: Kabul International Airport, and everyone who is trying to get there. (thread)

We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US & civilian casualties. We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate. We will continue to update.

BREAKING: 4 U.S. Marines killed, 3 wounded in suicide bombing outside Kabul airport: U.S. officials

Reports that the last US flight has departed from Kabul. Skies are quiet and I can hear and see what appears to be celebratory gunfire from the Taliban.

Can’t think of a more high-profile or potentially telling case of Western tech giants bowing to Russian state pressure than this. mobile.twitter.com/MoscowTimes/st…

I just watched a man in a full Hazmat suit buy a Rolex in the Helsinki airport. It may be the apocalypse, but he’s thriving anyway.

On a topical issue : It wasn’t NATO seeking to go East - it was former Soviet satellites and republics wishing to go West.

I am increasingly convinced that adulthood is just perpetually waiting for the next available customer service representative...I hate it here.

Michael McFaul’s Twitter account has been hacked. A timely reminder for all of us to practice good Twitter hygiene and to note discrepancies in usually-consistent sources. You can find his alt account here: