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The Story Afghanistan is spiraling. What happened? The US has been in Afghanistan since after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Last year, then-President Trump negotiated with the Taliban to withdraw all US troops by May. The expectation being the Taliban wouldn't let terror groups in the country. President Biden said 'we need more time' and ultimately made plans to pack up by the end of the month. But since forces began withdrawing in May, the terror group has been sweeping the country, toppling at least 25 provincial capitals. That includes Kandahar (the country's second-largest city). There've been reports the group paid off Afghan officials to abandon their posts. Thousands fleeing the country have made their way to Kabul – thought to be a safe place with the western presence and embassies. But things got worse. Tell me. Yesterday, Taliban fighters entered the city and took over the presidential palace. And freed thousands of prisoners – including former al-Qaeda fighters. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reportedly fled to Tajikistan. Traffic was at a standstill. Chaotic scenes erupted at the airport after reports of gunfire. Choppers helped evacuate US Embassy staff to the airport that the State Dept says is "secured by the US military." The Pentagon said it's sending 1,000 more troops (6,000 total) to help. And there are reports the Biden admin's limiting the number of evacuation flights for Afghan allies (think: workers who helped US officials) to prioritize Americans. What are people saying? Many in the US are outraged. The Taliban was expected to gain ground after the US's withdrawal. But the speed of the Taliban's advance – and the US's chaotic exit – has left people shaken. Republicans are drawing parallels to the fall of Saigon during the Vietnam War. Afghanistan's ambassador to the US called it "an abandonment." Secretary of State Antony Blinken admitted the Taliban's takeover happened "more quickly than we anticipated." Meanwhile, Afghans feel betrayed by the US – an ally that seems to have left them to fend for themselves under a regime known to restrict rights and freedoms (especially women's). US veterans are reportedly feeling that pain too – having fought during the 20 years only to see the Taliban back in power. As for the Taliban, it's saying "the war is over." theSkimm Twenty years ago, the Taliban ruled Afghanistan. Soon, it's expected to declare the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. After tens of thousands of lives lost and an estimated $2 trillion, America's longest war has brought the country back to square one. | | | | | |
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What people are talking about... Haiti. On Saturday, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean island nation. Nearly 1,300 people have died, at least 5,700 have been injured, and more than 7,000 have lost their homes. It's the latest crisis to strike Haiti following President Jovenel Moïse's assassination last month. And comes as the island has yet to recover from the 2010 earthquake that killed at least 220,000 people. Now, Haiti officials are asking for international help as they fear a mounting death toll. And are also worried the displacement of thousands could lead to an uptick in COVID-19 cases. The US says it's deployed a response team and is coordinating relief efforts. -
Pending problem: Tropical Storm Grace. The storm's expected to dump heavy rain as early as today – increasing the risk of flooding and mudslides and complicating relief efforts. This, after Tropical Depression Fred reportedly knocked out power for 400,000 Haitians last week. | | | | | |
Where people are also grieving… The UK. Last week, a 22-year-old man killed five people on the streets of Plymouth, England, before dying by suicide. It marked Britain's worst mass shooting in a decade. Police haven't announced a motive. But investigators have been looking into his social media history, bringing attention to his apparent alignment with the "incel" movement. Incels are "involuntary celibate" men with misogynistic views who say they've been unfairly rejected by women. The movement's driven attacks in the US and Canada. The gunman had reportedly railed against women on YouTube, calling them "very simple-minded," "arrogant," and "entitled beyond belief." (Note: Three of the victims were female, including the gunman's mother.) Police are ruling out terrorism as a motive. But many are reportedly wondering whether incel violence should be added to the UK's anti-terrorism legislation. | | | | | |
Where people are circling the cal... Canada. Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the country will be holding a snap election on Sept 20 – at least two years ahead of schedule. It's apparently not uncommon for Canada to call for early parliamentary elections. Trudeau's leading a minority gov and needs the support of the other parties to pass legislation. So, he's hoping to bump up his party to a majority and that his response to the pandemic (which has earned him points) can carry his party to the top. But opposition parties are calling the early election reckless, especially as the country battles a fourth wave of the virus. | | | | | |
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| | Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A way to shop for insurance that's free and easy. And dare we say fun? Policygenius lets you compare home and auto insurance in one place. Plus, they'll handle the paperwork to set up your new policy or switch over your current one. Learn more.*
2. An insider sale we need you to know about. This denim brand's insider-only warehouse sale is happening this month and Skimm'rs are getting access. Think: a variety of comfortable styles and fits that are never (ever) marked down. Until now. Check 'em out.*
3. A tastier way to get your fruits and veggies in. Say 'bye' to salads and 'heyy' to this brand's kale and sweet potato flatbreads. And smoothies. And chocolatey, plant-based ice cream. And more. Delivered to your door. Get up to $40 off your first box.*
4. The eyelashes of your dreams. Because they require zero messy glue and (almost) zero effort. This brand's magnetic lashes are stylish and oh-so convenient. Plus, you can use them up to 60 times. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 40% off one of these three exclusive bundles.*
5. 24/7 midwife, doula, and nurse support you can access on-the-go. Poppy Seed Health is a woman-founded brand that gives on-demand help to those going through pregnancy, parenthood, and every moment in between. Download their app and connect with birth experts in under a minute.* | | | *PS: This is a sponsored post. | | | |
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| | We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
PhDeserving...Heather H (TX). She'll be a Doctor of Healthcare Administration student this fall – a goal she's been pursuing for 30 years.
Read all about it...Carrie S (IA). She's the lead newspaper press operator at The Charles City Press, where she's managed a team of men for nearly two decades.
(Some) Birthdays...Scott Kelrick (CA), Nancy Fiori (IL), Crystal Spaeth (IL), Nicki Harris (FL), theSkimm's Julie Shain (DC), theSkimm's Kitana Aviles (NY), Mimi Wertheimer (PA), Jerran Orwig (OH), Stacey Connors (PA), Lauren Caparso (MA), Amy Zimmerman (GA), Milan Alley (FL), Cristina Carper (KS), Jenna Giagnacova (PA), Jen Stephens (MI), Lauren Wente (MO)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured. | | |
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| | We've got birthday gift recs for everyone in your life – all under $50. Like a 5-pound bag of candy, a piñata puzzle, and a wine chiller.
And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time… -
Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week. -
Tune in to our podcast "9 to 5ish with theSkimm" for tips to navigate your career. -
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Sign up for our "Skimm Your Life" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs. -
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Download our app to get it all in one place. | | |
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| Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain | |
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