The former prime minister defended his actions, saying they were a safeguard during the coronavirus pandemic and that he would have made the appointments public had he needed to use the powers.

One year ago, on August 15, 2021, the Taliban swept into power in Kabul. It’s a day that many remember, as videos and images showed a chaotic scene at the Kabul airport, with thousands of Afghans desperately trying to flee the country. Lt. Col. Chris Richardella was one of the officers leading the U.S. Marine Corps at the airport when the Taliban took over. In a conversation with NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly, he recounts what followed.In participating regions, you’ll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what’s going on in your community.Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

In rural Wardak province, some Afghans celebrated the return of the Taliban. One year later, here’s what they want from the new government.

For the first time in decades, Afghans are living in relative peace. But with sanctions on the Taliban, the economy is in shambles and hunger is widespread. Girls are still out of school.

President Biden was elected on a promise of competency. The bungled exit from Afghanistan undercut that image. His approval ratings took a big hit, and have never recovered.