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US embassy says it ‘cannot ensure safe passage’ to Kabul airport – US politics live US embassy says it ‘cannot ensure safe passage’ to Kabul airport – US politics live
(32 minutes later)
Space on evacuation flights is first come, first serve, says US embassy and people may have to wait a ‘significant amount of time’ – follow all the latest US intelligence did not suggest possibility of rapid Taliban takeover, says Gen Mark Milley – follow all the latest
The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley, insisted that US intelligence reports did not suggest the Taliban would be able to take control of Afghanistan so rapidly.
“There was nothing that I or anyone else saw that indicated a collapse of this army and this government in 11 days,” Milley said at a press conference with defense secretary Lloyd Austin.
That claim contradicts reports that military leaders had intelligence indicating the Afghan government could fall quite rapidly once all US troops were withdrawn.
The Guardian’s Julian Borger, Hugo Lowell and Dan Sabbagh report:
Joe Biden spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel today about the situation in Afghanistan, as evacuations efforts continue in Kabul.
“They praised the ongoing efforts of their military and civilian personnel who are working closely together in Kabul on the evacuation of their citizens, vulnerable Afghans, and the courageous Afghan nationals who worked tirelessly over the last 20 years to provide security, promote peace, and deliver development assistance to the Afghan people,” the White House said in a readout of the call.
“They also discussed the need for close coordination on the provision of humanitarian aid for vulnerable Afghans in country as well as support for neighboring states, and agreed to continue planning for this work in the upcoming virtual meeting of G7 partners.”
Biden’s conversation with Merkel comes one day after he spoke to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which marked the US president’s first conversation with a major ally since the Taliban took control of Kabul.
Biden and Johnson “discussed the need for continued close coordination among allies and democratic partners on Afghanistan policy going forward,” according to the White House. “They agreed to hold a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach.”
Speaking at the White House press briefing yesterday, national security adviser Jake Sullivan pushed back against criticism that the Biden administration was caught flat-footed when it came to evacuating Americans out of Afghanistan.Speaking at the White House press briefing yesterday, national security adviser Jake Sullivan pushed back against criticism that the Biden administration was caught flat-footed when it came to evacuating Americans out of Afghanistan.
“We communicated with American citizens for weeks, telling them to get out of the country. We offered financial assistance for those who wouldn’t be able to afford to get on flights themselves,” Sullivan said.“We communicated with American citizens for weeks, telling them to get out of the country. We offered financial assistance for those who wouldn’t be able to afford to get on flights themselves,” Sullivan said.
“Many chose to stay right until the end, and that was their choice. We now are faced with a circumstance where we have to help evacuate those. That’s our responsibility as the US government.”“Many chose to stay right until the end, and that was their choice. We now are faced with a circumstance where we have to help evacuate those. That’s our responsibility as the US government.”
He added, “The point I’m making is that when a civil war comes to an end with an opposing force marching on the capital, there are going to be scenes of chaos, there are going to be lots of people leaving the country. That is not something that can be fundamentally avoided.”He added, “The point I’m making is that when a civil war comes to an end with an opposing force marching on the capital, there are going to be scenes of chaos, there are going to be lots of people leaving the country. That is not something that can be fundamentally avoided.”
The Guardian’s Ben Doherty, Warren Murray and agencies report:The Guardian’s Ben Doherty, Warren Murray and agencies report:
Taliban promises of “safe passage” to the Kabul airport for Afghans trying to flee the country have been undermined by reports of women and children being beaten and whipped as they try to pass through checkpoints set up by the militants.Taliban promises of “safe passage” to the Kabul airport for Afghans trying to flee the country have been undermined by reports of women and children being beaten and whipped as they try to pass through checkpoints set up by the militants.
With the Taliban in control of Afghanistan’s land border, Kabul airport is the only way out of the country. The US military has secured the airfield itself, after chaotic scenes over the weekend, but the Taliban control the road to the airport and have set up numerous checkpoints in Kabul’s north.With the Taliban in control of Afghanistan’s land border, Kabul airport is the only way out of the country. The US military has secured the airfield itself, after chaotic scenes over the weekend, but the Taliban control the road to the airport and have set up numerous checkpoints in Kabul’s north.
The US says the Taliban has committed to “safe passage” for people who want to reach the airport. But reports from the Afghan capital say there has been violence at checkpoints on Airport Road, including photographs of a woman and a child with head injuries after reportedly being beaten and whipped after trying to cross a checkpoint.The US says the Taliban has committed to “safe passage” for people who want to reach the airport. But reports from the Afghan capital say there has been violence at checkpoints on Airport Road, including photographs of a woman and a child with head injuries after reportedly being beaten and whipped after trying to cross a checkpoint.
Sources in Kabul told the Guardian the Taliban were checking documents and forcibly turning some people around at checkpoints, refusing to let them reach the airport.Sources in Kabul told the Guardian the Taliban were checking documents and forcibly turning some people around at checkpoints, refusing to let them reach the airport.
The US embassy in Kabul has released a security alert informing Americans still in Afghanistan that it “cannot ensure safe passage to the Hamid Karzai international airport”.The US embassy in Kabul has released a security alert informing Americans still in Afghanistan that it “cannot ensure safe passage to the Hamid Karzai international airport”.
“U.S. government-provided flights are departing. U.S. citizens, LPRs, and their spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) should consider travelling to Hamid Karzai International Airport,” the embassy said in the alert.“U.S. government-provided flights are departing. U.S. citizens, LPRs, and their spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) should consider travelling to Hamid Karzai International Airport,” the embassy said in the alert.
“Please be advised that a significant number of individuals have registered and space on these flights is available on a first come, first serve basis. You may be required to wait at the airport for a significant amount of time until space is available.”“Please be advised that a significant number of individuals have registered and space on these flights is available on a first come, first serve basis. You may be required to wait at the airport for a significant amount of time until space is available.”
The embassy’s update comes amid reports that people have been beaten at Taliban checkpoints near the airport, preventing them from boarding departing flights.The embassy’s update comes amid reports that people have been beaten at Taliban checkpoints near the airport, preventing them from boarding departing flights.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan acknowledged those reports yesterday, saying at the White House briefing, “There have been instances where we have received reports of people being turned away or pushed back or even beaten.National security adviser Jake Sullivan acknowledged those reports yesterday, saying at the White House briefing, “There have been instances where we have received reports of people being turned away or pushed back or even beaten.
“We are taking that up in a channel with the Taliban to try to resolve those issues. And we are concerned about whether that will continue to unfold in the coming days.”“We are taking that up in a channel with the Taliban to try to resolve those issues. And we are concerned about whether that will continue to unfold in the coming days.”
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris received a briefing this morning from their national security team on the situation in Afghanistan, the White House said.Joe Biden and Kamala Harris received a briefing this morning from their national security team on the situation in Afghanistan, the White House said.
“They were briefed on intelligence, security and diplomatic updates. They discussed efforts to accelerate evacuations of U.S. citizens, SIV applicants, and other vulnerable Afghans, and to facilitate safe passage to Hamid Karzai International Airport,” the White House told the press pool.“They were briefed on intelligence, security and diplomatic updates. They discussed efforts to accelerate evacuations of U.S. citizens, SIV applicants, and other vulnerable Afghans, and to facilitate safe passage to Hamid Karzai International Airport,” the White House told the press pool.
“The President, Vice President, and their team also discussed their focus on monitoring for any potential terrorist threats in Afghanistan, including from ISIS-K.”“The President, Vice President, and their team also discussed their focus on monitoring for any potential terrorist threats in Afghanistan, including from ISIS-K.”
Among those conducting the briefing were defense secretary Lloyd Austin, secretary of state Antony Blinken and the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley.Among those conducting the briefing were defense secretary Lloyd Austin, secretary of state Antony Blinken and the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley.
A CNN reporter spotted Milley at the White House earlier today:A CNN reporter spotted Milley at the White House earlier today:
Joe Biden will host Israel’s new prime minister Naftali Bennett in Washington on August 26, the White House has just announced.Joe Biden will host Israel’s new prime minister Naftali Bennett in Washington on August 26, the White House has just announced.
A statement put out by White House press sec Jen Psaki touched on what the two will talk about.A statement put out by White House press sec Jen Psaki touched on what the two will talk about.
They “will discuss critical issues related to regional and global security, including Iran.They “will discuss critical issues related to regional and global security, including Iran.
“The visit will also be an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss efforts to advance peace, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians and the importance of working towards a more peaceful and secure future for the region.”“The visit will also be an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss efforts to advance peace, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians and the importance of working towards a more peaceful and secure future for the region.”
Bennett became prime minister in June after Israel’s longest-serving leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, was ousted from office by a loose coalition of rivals from across the political spectrum, united by their wish to end his 12-year run in power, my colleague Oliver Holmes wrote from Jerusalem at the time.Bennett became prime minister in June after Israel’s longest-serving leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, was ousted from office by a loose coalition of rivals from across the political spectrum, united by their wish to end his 12-year run in power, my colleague Oliver Holmes wrote from Jerusalem at the time.
The opposition leader, Yair Lapid, a centrist former TV news anchor, won a confidence vote in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, by a razor-thin advantage of 60-59 seats on Sunday evening.The opposition leader, Yair Lapid, a centrist former TV news anchor, won a confidence vote in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, by a razor-thin advantage of 60-59 seats on Sunday evening.
Lapid did not initially become prime minister. Instead, under a power-sharing agreement, his former foe and far-right advocate for the settler movement in the Palestinian territories, Naftali Bennett, was sworn in as the country’s leader.Lapid did not initially become prime minister. Instead, under a power-sharing agreement, his former foe and far-right advocate for the settler movement in the Palestinian territories, Naftali Bennett, was sworn in as the country’s leader.
Bennett, who has ruled out a Palestinian state and wants Israel to maintain ultimate control over all the lands it occupies, will be prime minister for the first two years of a four-year term before handing over to Lapid.Bennett, who has ruled out a Palestinian state and wants Israel to maintain ultimate control over all the lands it occupies, will be prime minister for the first two years of a four-year term before handing over to Lapid.
Ahead of the Knesset vote, Bennett attempted to give a conciliatory speech, even as Netanyahu’s allies heckled him from their seats. The 49-year-old prime minister-designate thanked the outgoing leader for his “lengthy and achievement filled service”.Ahead of the Knesset vote, Bennett attempted to give a conciliatory speech, even as Netanyahu’s allies heckled him from their seats. The 49-year-old prime minister-designate thanked the outgoing leader for his “lengthy and achievement filled service”.
Psaki’s press release did not mention Afghanistan as a topic of planned conversation. It said: “Prime Minister Bennett’s visit will strengthen the enduring partnership between the United States and Israel, reflect the deep ties between our governments and our people, and underscore the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.”Psaki’s press release did not mention Afghanistan as a topic of planned conversation. It said: “Prime Minister Bennett’s visit will strengthen the enduring partnership between the United States and Israel, reflect the deep ties between our governments and our people, and underscore the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.”
Biden sent the invitation to Bennett last month and aides for each leader have been meeting, virtually and recently in person. Local Israeli media had noted that Bennett might not be able to make it to the White House until September, and then could stay on to address the annual General Assembly of the United Nations in New York that month.Biden sent the invitation to Bennett last month and aides for each leader have been meeting, virtually and recently in person. Local Israeli media had noted that Bennett might not be able to make it to the White House until September, and then could stay on to address the annual General Assembly of the United Nations in New York that month.
But clearly he has found a spot in his calendar and the trip is on for this month.But clearly he has found a spot in his calendar and the trip is on for this month.
Students in Florida’s Broward County went back to school under a mask mandate today, even as their school board faced threats of severe penalties for defying Republican governor Ron DeSantis.Students in Florida’s Broward County went back to school under a mask mandate today, even as their school board faced threats of severe penalties for defying Republican governor Ron DeSantis.
Reuters further repots:Reuters further repots:
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
US health officials recommended offering booster shots to all Americans who received the Pfizer or Moderna coronavirus vaccine. The US expects to offer booster shots starting the week of September 20, and health officials urged Americans to get their third dose eight months after receiving their second shot. Research on booster shots for those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine remains ongoing.US health officials recommended offering booster shots to all Americans who received the Pfizer or Moderna coronavirus vaccine. The US expects to offer booster shots starting the week of September 20, and health officials urged Americans to get their third dose eight months after receiving their second shot. Research on booster shots for those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine remains ongoing.
The World Health Organization criticized the US plan to distribute booster shots, given the lack of available vaccines in many low-income countries. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Vaccine injustice is a shame on all humanity, and if we don’t tackle it together, we will prolong the acute stage of this pandemic for years when it could be over in a matter of months.”The World Health Organization criticized the US plan to distribute booster shots, given the lack of available vaccines in many low-income countries. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Vaccine injustice is a shame on all humanity, and if we don’t tackle it together, we will prolong the acute stage of this pandemic for years when it could be over in a matter of months.”
Joe Biden is scheduled to deliver remarks on his administration’s vaccination strategy this afternoon. Biden will receive a briefing from members of the White House pandemic response team and then deliver his speech, which will likely focus on the announcement about booster shots.Joe Biden is scheduled to deliver remarks on his administration’s vaccination strategy this afternoon. Biden will receive a briefing from members of the White House pandemic response team and then deliver his speech, which will likely focus on the announcement about booster shots.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
The ONE Campaign, which is dedicated to ending extreme poverty and preventable disease in the world, warned that the US plan to administer coronavirus vaccine boosters “threatens to widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots”.The ONE Campaign, which is dedicated to ending extreme poverty and preventable disease in the world, warned that the US plan to administer coronavirus vaccine boosters “threatens to widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots”.
“It’s outrageous that a healthy, vaccinated individual will be able to get a third shot before the elderly and health workers in low-income countries can get a single dose,” Sarah Swinehart, the senior director of communications for ONE’s North America operation, said in a statement.“It’s outrageous that a healthy, vaccinated individual will be able to get a third shot before the elderly and health workers in low-income countries can get a single dose,” Sarah Swinehart, the senior director of communications for ONE’s North America operation, said in a statement.
The group noted that just 1.3% of people in low-income countries have received at least one coronavirus vaccine dose, according to data.The group noted that just 1.3% of people in low-income countries have received at least one coronavirus vaccine dose, according to data.
“While we understand the Biden administration’s goal to further protect Americans, today’s decision will further exacerbate global vaccine inequities and prolong the pandemic at home and abroad,” Swinehart said.“While we understand the Biden administration’s goal to further protect Americans, today’s decision will further exacerbate global vaccine inequities and prolong the pandemic at home and abroad,” Swinehart said.
“In order to save lives, reduce the emergence of variants, and stop the spread of COVID-19, the US and wealthy countries must share more doses immediately.”“In order to save lives, reduce the emergence of variants, and stop the spread of COVID-19, the US and wealthy countries must share more doses immediately.”
Global health authorities have harshly criticized an American plan to provide Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccine booster shots to people eight months after their second dose.Global health authorities have harshly criticized an American plan to provide Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccine booster shots to people eight months after their second dose.
In a briefing, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he called for a “temporary moratorium” on booster shots globally as low-income countries have vaccinated “barely 2%” of their populations. Just 10 countries have administered 75% of all vaccines, Ghebreyesus said.In a briefing, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he called for a “temporary moratorium” on booster shots globally as low-income countries have vaccinated “barely 2%” of their populations. Just 10 countries have administered 75% of all vaccines, Ghebreyesus said.
“Vaccine injustice is a shame on all humanity and if we don’t tackle it together, we will prolong the acute stage of this pandemic for years when it could be over in a matter of months,” Ghebreyesus said in remarks.“Vaccine injustice is a shame on all humanity and if we don’t tackle it together, we will prolong the acute stage of this pandemic for years when it could be over in a matter of months,” Ghebreyesus said in remarks.
However, Biden administration officials said they remained committed to protecting Americans and donating vaccines globally.However, Biden administration officials said they remained committed to protecting Americans and donating vaccines globally.
“I do not accept the idea we have to choose between America and the world,” said Dr Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General.“I do not accept the idea we have to choose between America and the world,” said Dr Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General.
White House Coronavirus task force coordinator Jeff Zients said the US has, “more vaccine doses donated than all the other countries in the world combined”.White House Coronavirus task force coordinator Jeff Zients said the US has, “more vaccine doses donated than all the other countries in the world combined”.
“Our war-time effort will continue doing everything we can to get more people vaccinated, both here at home and around the world,” said Zients.“Our war-time effort will continue doing everything we can to get more people vaccinated, both here at home and around the world,” said Zients.
“We can and must do both at the same time, because that’s what it’s going to take to end this pandemic, and we will not stop until we get the job done.”“We can and must do both at the same time, because that’s what it’s going to take to end this pandemic, and we will not stop until we get the job done.”
Members of the White House pandemic response team emphasized that they are not recommending average Americans get a vaccine booster shot today.Members of the White House pandemic response team emphasized that they are not recommending average Americans get a vaccine booster shot today.
Booster shots will be made available to all Americans who received the Moderna or Pfizer coronavirus vaccine starting the week of September 20, and health officials are recommending getting a booster eight months after a second dose.Booster shots will be made available to all Americans who received the Moderna or Pfizer coronavirus vaccine starting the week of September 20, and health officials are recommending getting a booster eight months after a second dose.
That strategy will allow for vulnerable populations who were among the first to be vaccinated, including healthcare workers and elderly Americans, to get their booster shots starting next month.That strategy will allow for vulnerable populations who were among the first to be vaccinated, including healthcare workers and elderly Americans, to get their booster shots starting next month.
For younger Americans who were vaccinated later in the year, they may not get their booster shots until late 2021 or early 2022.For younger Americans who were vaccinated later in the year, they may not get their booster shots until late 2021 or early 2022.
A reporter asked the White House pandemic response team to respond to criticism over offering booster shots to Americans while many countries still do not have enough first doses for their citizens.A reporter asked the White House pandemic response team to respond to criticism over offering booster shots to Americans while many countries still do not have enough first doses for their citizens.
Pandemic response coordinator Jeff Zients said the US was committed to both protecting Americans against coronavirus and distributing vaccines to countries around the world.Pandemic response coordinator Jeff Zients said the US was committed to both protecting Americans against coronavirus and distributing vaccines to countries around the world.
Zients said he expects the US to administer about 100 million vaccine booster shots in the coming months, while simultaneously distributing more than 200 million vaccine doses to other countries.Zients said he expects the US to administer about 100 million vaccine booster shots in the coming months, while simultaneously distributing more than 200 million vaccine doses to other countries.
Dr Vivek Murthy, the US surgeon general, added, “I do not accept the idea that we have to choose between America and the world. We clearly see our responsibility to both.”Dr Vivek Murthy, the US surgeon general, added, “I do not accept the idea that we have to choose between America and the world. We clearly see our responsibility to both.”
The White House pandemic response coordinator, Jeff Zients, said the coronavirus vaccine booster shots will be free for all Americans.The White House pandemic response coordinator, Jeff Zients, said the coronavirus vaccine booster shots will be free for all Americans.
“It will be just as easy and convenient to get a booster shot as it is to get a first shot today,” Zients said.“It will be just as easy and convenient to get a booster shot as it is to get a first shot today,” Zients said.
Zients noted that the US has enough vaccine supply for all Americans, and the booster shots will be available at roughly 80,000 locations across the country.Zients noted that the US has enough vaccine supply for all Americans, and the booster shots will be available at roughly 80,000 locations across the country.
“Boosters will be free, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. No ID or insurance required,” Zients said.“Boosters will be free, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. No ID or insurance required,” Zients said.
Dr Anthony Fauci, the president’s chief medical adviser, laid out the data that led health officials to recommend booster shots for all Americans who received the Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccines.Dr Anthony Fauci, the president’s chief medical adviser, laid out the data that led health officials to recommend booster shots for all Americans who received the Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccines.
Fauci said data indicates that the antibodies provided by the vaccines decline over time, and higher levels of antibodies may be required to protect against the more highly transmissible Delta variant, which is spreading across the US.Fauci said data indicates that the antibodies provided by the vaccines decline over time, and higher levels of antibodies may be required to protect against the more highly transmissible Delta variant, which is spreading across the US.
Booster shots can help to increase antibody levels, thus providing more effective protection against the Delta variant, which is why health officials are encouraging Americans to get a third dose eight months after their second shot.Booster shots can help to increase antibody levels, thus providing more effective protection against the Delta variant, which is why health officials are encouraging Americans to get a third dose eight months after their second shot.