03:24 'I stand squarely behind my decision': defiant Biden defends withdrawal from Afghanistan – videoMore details have emerged of the desperate and chaotic scenes at Kabul airport. In Kabul and cities across the country, Taliban forces have asserted control ahead of an expected announcement of an “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” in the coming days. Today in Focus podcast: Taliban back in controlThe departure of US forces was followed by a rout of Afghan government forces. Metro calls it “Escape from hell”, the Times has “Race to escape Kabul carnage” while the Telegraph says “Biden defends America’s flight”. The Sun calls the US president “Joke Biden” while the Mail has “Biden: it’s Afghans’ own fault” saying that as people scramble in fear for their lives, “president washes hands over abandoning nation”.

Source: The Guardian August 17, 2021 05:26 UTC