This is the daily briefing, edited by Iain Martin. Free 30 day trial available here. Four days after Kabul fell to the Taliban, it is becoming increasingly clear that neither the US nor its NATO allies were prepared for this level of mayhem. US troops have thrown stun grenades and fired warning shots to disperse panicked locals surrounding Kabul airport, as foreigners struggle to get through the crowds to the airport gates.
Middle East crisis accelerates on multiple fronts
Massive airstrikes are pounding Beirut, the Ayatollah stands defiant in Iran, and missiles are flying towards Israel from every direction as the region spirals towards a greater war.