Thousands of Afghans Remain Stranded in Afghanistan Under Taliban Rule

As of yesterday, thousands of Afghans remain stranded under Taliban rule in kabul as the U.S. and it’s allies continue to evacuate their personnel from the city’s airport. According to the UK’s Foreign Secretary, the situation at the airport is ‘stabilizing’ after crowds of locals poured onto the tarmac and clung to planes trying to get out of the city on Monday. It was also announced that President Biden has ordered 6,000 more troops to assist American efforts.

Also yesterday, Taliban co-founder and deputy leader Mullah Baradar arrived in Afghanistan marking the first time he has set foot in the county in 20 years and comes 11 years after he was arrested in Pakistan by the country’s security forces. Baradar was a prominent member of the Taliban regime and his return fuels concerns that the new government will mirror that era as Afghans wait to find out what kind of regime they will live under and whether those who supported the U.S. backed government over the past 20 years will face retribution from the Taliban.