CIA Director Gets Punked by Taliban as Deadline Remains
Posted on 08/25/2021
Flying from the U.K. and in a surprise move, CIA Director William J. Burns and his detail covertly met with the top Taliban leader in Kabul on August 23, 2021, according to various media reports and two U.S. officials. The Biden administration has been begging the Taliban, who quickly took over most of Afghanistan in a matter of days, to let the U.S. airlift American citizens and Afghans out by a deadline of August 31, 2021. Many young Afghanis have never lived under Taliban rule and did not expect a takeover, at least so fast. U.S. citizens remain stuck in Kabul. Joe Biden expects the U.S. to complete its evacuation mission by August 31, 2021, but talks about extending the deadline have been unfruitful as the Taliban remain steadfast about the date. The Taliban requested that the U.S. must adhere to removing troops from Afghanistan by this date. Otherwise, it will be a clear violation.
On August 24, 2021, the U.S. Embassy issued a final alert for U.S. citizens to leave Afghanistan or they will be on their own. The U.S. Embassy recalled the message thirty minutes later.
Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said during a press conference in Kabul the Taliban cannot confirm that Abdul Ghani Baradar has met with the CIA Director Burns, but they are meeting with all embassies in Kabul.
Economic Stability
Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen earlier had cut access to Da Afghanistan Bank’s overseas accounts held at the U.S. Federal Reserve. Shipments of U.S. dollars ceased and now prices of gasoline, flour and rice are soaring while many residents line up at the few ATMs still functioning. Many ATMs are empty in Kabul.
The World Bank announced a halt to its funding of projects in Afghanistan.