CIA Director Reportedly Met With Taliban Leader in Afghanistan
CIA Director William J. Burns secretly met with the Taliban’s leader, Abdul Ghani Baradar, in Kabul, Afghanistan, according to a new report. The Washington Post reported that Burns met with Baradar on Monday, according…
CIA Director William J. Burns secretly met with the Taliban’s leader, Abdul Ghani Baradar, in Kabul, Afghanistan, according to a new report.
The Washington Post reported that Burns met with Baradar on Monday, according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter. The CIA would not comment on the meeting with the Taliban leader.
The outlet noted the discussions likely centered on the August 31 deadline for the U.S. military to complete its evacuation of American citizens and allies of Afghanistan.
President Joe Biden said Monday there were discussions among officials about extending the deadline, as IJR reported.
“Our hope is we will not have to extend but there are going to be discussions I suspect on how far along we are in the process,” Biden said.
A Taliban spokesperson warned, “If the US or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations – the answer is no. Or there would be consequences.”
The president has received criticism from some Republican lawmakers, accusing him of leaving Americans behind.