U.S. Seeks to Evacuate Thousands from Kabul Airport

Chaos at Kabul Airport

Protests against the Taliban turned deadly as the insurgents-turned-rulers of Afghanistan shot into crowds in two cities. In Kabul, the airlift of American, allied and Afghan civilians continues as more American troops land at the airport and desperate crowds remain outside. Jane Ferguson reports from Kabul — with the support of the Pulitzer Center — about the fear and hopelessness in Afghanistan. Read the summary, watch the video and answer the discussion questions below. To read the transcript of the video, click here.

Discussion Questions 

• Who is able to board planes at the Kabul airport, and who is not?
• What are some of the fears expressed by Afghan citizens in this piece?
• When are U.S. authorities hoping to have U.S. citizens evacuated from Afghanistan?
• Where is the U.S. maintaining a troop presence in Afghanistan?
• Why are many Afghans hoping to leave the country?
• How has the U.S. tried to negotiate with the Taliban over evacuating U.S. citizens and Afghan visa holders?

Focus Question:What do you think should be the focus of U.S. government efforts in Afghanistan, now that the Taliban has once again taken control?

Media Literacy: Why do you think the full face of the Afghan woman interviewed in this piece is not shown?

Additional Resources

• If you would like to hear more Afghan voices to better understand the significance of the Taliban’s takeover, check out this resource from Colorín Colorado.
• This NewsHour segment explores the fears for the safety and freedom of women and girls under the Taliban.
• To learn more about the situation at the Kabul airport, watch the video here or read this article: Crush at Kabul airport kills 7 as Afghans try to flee.

Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Extra.