Chaos in Kabul as Taliban takes over Afghanistan

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Afghanistan
The Taliban swept into Kabul on Sunday, installing itself in the presidential palace after taking over one provincial capital after another with shocking speed as security forces collapsed or fled. Afghanistan’s increasingly isolated president, Ashraf Ghani, fled the country, saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. China, Russia and Iran are among a number of countries that have left the door open to potential ties with the Taliban. Moscow’s ambassador to Afghanistan is expected to meet with leaders from the militant group on Tuesday. Fears about a return to the Taliban’s brutal rule after two decades of war are growing as chaos has descended on Kabul.

For many Afghans, the widespread uncertainty gripping Afghanistan has led to a desperate rush to escape the country. At least five people have been killed as hundreds rushed to the airport, trying to board any flight out. Others ran onto the tarmac, and even clinged on departing US military planes. With the Taliban now in control of the Afghan government, the Pentagon deployed about 3,000 US marines and soldiers to the airport on Monday, with another 3,000 troops en route, in an effort to secure the evacuation of US embassy staff and other departures.

Haiti
A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Haiti has left more than 1,200 people dead with thousands of homes and other buildings reduced to rubble.  At least 5,700 people were injured, and thousands more displaced, in the Caribbean nation that only a month ago witnessed the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. Rescue workers are now rushing to find survivors as Tropical Depression Grace is expected to hit Haiti Monday night.

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In case you missed it

Listen: The Taliban takes over provincial Afghan capitals at an alarming pace

The Taliban continues to take over provincial capitals in the north with stunning speed. The US is preparing for a rapid evacuation of personnel, and the Biden administration is dispatching 3,000 troops to help. US officials warn that Kabul could fall within 30 days. And a Hazara family tries to flee Afghanistan. Also, the US may soon open up to more foreign travelers, but require proof of vaccination. Here’s a thorny question, though: Which vaccines will count? And in Algeria, wildfires that have been raging this week remain largely out of control.

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