**Taliban Seize Afghan Capital Kabul, President Flees Country**
**Kabul, Afghanistan** – The Taliban have entered Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and have taken control of the presidential palace. President Ashraf Ghani has fled the country, and the government has collapsed.
The Taliban’s lightning-fast advance across Afghanistan has shocked the world. Just a few weeks ago, the group controlled only a few rural districts. But in recent days, they have captured major cities, including Kandahar, Herat, and Mazar-i-Sharif.
The Taliban’s victory is a major blow to the United States and its allies, who have been fighting in Afghanistan for 20 years. The Biden administration has been criticized for its handling of the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, which has been blamed for the Taliban’s rapid advance.
The Taliban have promised to establish an Islamic emirate in Afghanistan, but it is unclear what this will mean for the country’s future. The group has a history of human rights abuses, and there are concerns that they will impose strict restrictions on women and minorities.
The international community is now scrambling to respond to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan. The United Nations has called for a ceasefire and the establishment of a new government that is inclusive of all Afghans.
**Reactions to the Taliban’s Victory**
The Taliban’s victory has been met with mixed reactions from the international community.
Some countries, such as Russia and China, have expressed support for the Taliban. They believe that the group can bring stability to Afghanistan after years of war.
Other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, have condemned the Taliban’s actions. They are concerned about the group’s human rights record and fear that Afghanistan could become a safe haven for terrorists.
The United Nations has called for a ceasefire and the establishment of a new government that is inclusive of all Afghans.
**The Future of Afghanistan**
It is unclear what the future holds for Afghanistan. The Taliban have promised to establish an Islamic emirate, but it is unclear what this will mean for the country’s future.
The Taliban have a history of human rights abuses, and there are concerns that they will impose strict restrictions on women and minorities.
The international community is now scrambling to respond to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan. The United Nations has called for a ceasefire and the establishment of a new government that is inclusive of all Afghans.
**Timeline of Events**
* **May 1, 2021:** President Biden announces that all US troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021.
* **June 22, 2021:** The Taliban launch a major offensive across Afghanistan.
* **July 13, 2021:** The Taliban capture Kandahar, the country’s second-largest city.
* **August 15, 2021:** The Taliban enter Kabul and take control of the presidential palace.
* **August 16, 2021:** President Ashraf Ghani flees the country.
**Sources**
* [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/15/world/asia/afghanistan-taliban-kabul.html)
* [The Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/15/taliban-kabul-afghanistan-latest/)
* [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/15/taliban-fighters-enter-kabul-as-us-withdraws-troops-from-afghanistan)
* [BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58223925).
