I'm hearing that the number of Americans still in Afghanistan is down to 150.

[Baitball Blogger]

So, technically, we could get all the Americans out by the deadline, IF they cooperate. Apparently, some still don't want to leave.

Meanwhile the media continues the gloom and doom, flashing poll numbers that look unfavorable to Biden. Those negative polls don't mean anything to me, knowing that Republicans will ignore the main question and go for an unfavorable rating because they don't want to give Biden a win, AND because they don't want Afghan refugees in the USA.

So, putting aside all the noise, it just looks like to me that we're dragging this out as long as we can to ensure we have time to evacuate our friendlies and allies that make it through the vetting process. Does anyone know what that number for Afghan friendlies is...today? It seems to change from day to day.

[Liberty Belle]

1. Good start but how many Afghans who helped the US are still stranded?

Very worried about them especially with the Taliban blocking them from reaching the airport. I fear they will be massacred.

[Baitball Blogger]

2. Yes. That was my parting question.

What is the new number?

[mcar]

5. Heard on NPR today that there are many who are elsewhere in the country

and will not be able to get to the airport.

I fear for them too, but I have to wonder why they didn't head to Kabul weeks ago. Everyone knew this was coming.

[Elessar Zappa]

3. I think we've done a great job so far

at evacuating people. Undoubtedly and unfortunately some Afghan allies will be left behind. It’s just the nature of the situation right now, given that we’re leaving on the 31st. As for Biden’s popularity, I predict it will go back up once this is off the front page and especially once the infrastructure bills are passed.

[Johnny2X2X]

4. The suicide bombing outside the airport today is going to shape the narrative

If Americans were killed in it this will be the next PR nightmare for Biden. People will ignore that suicide =bombings have been a regular thing in Afghanistan even while the US had control.