Politics & Government

The U.S. Is Trying To Improve Relations With Southeast Asia — Using Western Vaccines

4:36pm August 19, 2021

by Michael Sullivan

U.S. vaccine diplomacy is in full swing, especially in Southeast Asia. This distribution of millions of shots is an effort aimed in part at helping regain influence across several countries.

Afghan special immigrant visa applicants crowd into an internet cafe to apply for that program on Aug. 8 in Kabul. A group of senators expressed concern the U.S. is abandoning allies who helped in the 20-year mission in Afghanistan.

Politics & Government

Bipartisan Group Of Senators Call On Biden To Evacuate Afghan Allies

2:49pm August 19, 2021

by Barbara Sprunt

In a letter to President Biden, 55 senators expressed concern over abandoning Afghans who assisted the U.S. and are now in jeopardy.

Politics & Government

The Chaotic U.S. Withdrawal From Afghanistan Puts Biden In A Political Hole

7:21am August 19, 2021

President Biden has resolutely defended his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. But Republicans and many Democrats have criticized the way the administration has withdrawn.

News Brief: Biden Defends Afghan Withdrawal, Booster Shot, Aid For Haiti

5:57am August 19, 2021

President Biden reiterates his defense of the Afghan withdrawal. Millions of Americans will soon be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Earthquake aid is reaching Haiti but it's slow going.

President Biden discusses the COVID-19 response and vaccination program Wednesday at the White House. Biden also spoke about Afghanistan in an interview Wednesday with ABC News.

A Defensive Biden Argues There Was No Exit From Afghanistan 'Without Chaos Ensuing'

8:32pm August 18, 2021

by Alana Wise

The president told ABC News it was "a simple choice" to withdraw U.S. forces, and he faulted the Afghan government and its military for not more forcibly defending the capital.

Congressman Crow On Pushing President Biden To Evacuate Afghan Allies

6:59pm August 18, 2021

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Congressman Jason Crow, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, on being part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers urging President Biden to evacuate Afghan allies.

Biden's Handling Of Afghanistan Has Angered Some Allies

4:59pm August 18, 2021

by Michele Kelemen

The way the Biden administration left Afghanistan and the situation in Kabul has angered many U.S. allies. Now they're scrambling to evacuate their citizens and the Afghans who supported them.

Pentagon Issues Update On Efforts To Evacuate Thousands From Afghanistan

4:59pm August 18, 2021

by Tom Bowman

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gave an update on the efforts of U.S. forces to evacuate thousands from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

Cryptocurrencies May Be Reined In Soon — Here's What Regulators Want To Change

4:59pm August 18, 2021

by David Gura

The chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission compared cryptocurrencies to the "Wild West." Made to operate outside government control, the regulator is asking Congress to help rein them in.

The Taliban Have Promised Amnesty And Rights For Women. But Is That Reality So Far?

4:59pm August 18, 2021

The Taliban have made a lot of promises this week about women's rights, security and amnesty. But early indications on the ground may not match those promises.