Wednesday's Headlines: Allies, rivals reconsider America’s global role in wake of Afghanistan exit August 18, 2021 Kabul airport is open for evacuations. Getting there past Taliban checkpoints isn't easy. Sign up for this newsletter Read online The morning's most important stories, curated by Post editors. In front of a Taliban flag, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, center, speaks at his first news conference in Kabul on Aug. 17. (AP) Allies, rivals reconsider America's global role in wake of Afghanistan exit European allies have discussed their need to play a bigger part in security matters, while Russia and China consider how to promote their interests in a Taliban-led Afghanistan. By John Hudson and Missy Ryan ● Read more » Kabul airport is open for evacuations. Getting there past Taliban checkpoints isn't easy. LIVE: AFGHANISTAN ● By Rachel Pannett and Jennifer Hassan ● Read more » A once-defeated insurgent returns to Afghanistan as its likely next leader By Kevin Sieff and Joshua Partlow ● Read more » Taliban says it will be more tolerant toward women. Some fear otherwise. By Sammy Westfall and Claire Parker ● Read more » The Taliban insists it has changed. Afghanistan's future hinges on whether that's true. By Ezzatullah Mehrdad and Griff Witte ● Read more » ADVERTISEMENT Russia sees potential cooperation with Taliban, but also prepares for the worst By Robyn Dixon ● Read more » Texas Gov. Abbott, who has sought to ban mask mandates in schools, tests positive for coronavirus By Felicia Sonmez ● Read more » Florida school districts with mask mandates may be investigated and punished, state says By Meryl Kornfield ● Read more » Rise of delta variant and waning immunity are fueling breakthrough infections, experts say By Joel Achenbach and Ben Guarino ● Read more » Opinions ADVERTISEMENT Afghan people didn't choose the Taliban. They fought and died alongside us. Opinion ● Opinion by Condoleezza Rice ● Read more » Good intentions and seductive illusions: Scenes from Afghanistan's long descent Opinion ● Opinion by David Ignatius ● Read more » Biden's presidency and U.S. foreign policy now hinge on pulling off one of the greatest airlifts in history Opinion ● Opinion by Charles Lane ● Read more » U.S. presidents have a gullibility problem on foreign affairs Opinion ● Opinion by Kathleen Parker ● Read more » J&J vaccine recipients are left in the dark on booster shots. They deserve better. Opinion ● Opinion by Leana S. Wen ● Read more » If GOP governors want schools open, they'ill walk back reckless anti-mask mandates Opinion ● Opinion by the Editorial Board ● Read more » More News Death toll from Haiti quake jumps past 1,900 By Widlore Merancourt, Mary Beth Sheridan and Anthony Faiola ● Read more » Trevor Bauer's accuser details why she came forward as his lawyers challenge her claims By Gus Garcia-Roberts ● Read more » 'Experience' tourism combines Roman ruins in the morning, a talk on church abuse in the afternoon By Stefano Pitrelli ● Read more » Wildfires explode again in the West, fanned by turbulent winds By Diana Leonard ● Read more » Risk of children swallowing small magnets leads to rare mandatory recall By Todd C. Frankel ● Read more » Prosecutor explores tips to FBI in 2016 Russia probe By Matt Zapotosky and Tom Hamburger ● Read more » Chicago pharmacist charged with selling vaccine cards on eBay By Matt Zapotosky and Dan Diamond ● Read more » Try our new daily mini meta crossword It's a week-long adventure that connects a daily 5x5 mini puzzle with a special reveal on Saturdays. Play game We think you'll like this newsletter Check out Must Reads for a curated selection of our best journalism in your inbox every Saturday, plus a peek behind the scenes into how one story came together. Sign up » Manage my email newsletters and alerts | Unsubscribe from Today's Headlines | Privacy Policy | Help You received this email because you signed up for Today's Headlines or because it is included in your subscription. ©2021 The Washington Post | 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071 Related Keyword: Share