Blinken said the US would have been at war with the Taliban

Pentagon Sending Another 1,000 Troops to Kabul, Bringing Figure to 6,000 | Officials vague on purpose beyond overseeing evacuation

Ghani Flees Afghanistan; Taliban’s Mullah Baradar Likely to Take Power | US evacuates embassy, prepares to depart

The collapse was almost inevitable

Taliban Is Surrounding Kabul as Battle Looms | Territory falls, and Kabul is one of the last cities standing

Afghan Commander Ismail Khan Captured by Taliban in Herat | Long-time commander was handed over in deal with Taliban

Taliban Sweep Through Southern Afghanistan in Latest Territory Push | More capitals fall in the face of Taliban offensive

Embassy staff has been instructed to destroy sensitive materials

Fall of Ghazni Leaves Afghanistan’s Capital Exposed | Kabul is clearly in Taliban sights as offensive mounts