The precise number, however, appears to be unclear. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there are “under 200 and likely closer to 100” Americans in Afghanistan in Aug. 30 remarks, but CNN reported just two days ago that close to 200 Americans are still seeking to leave the country.
Khalilzad wrote in his Oct. 18 resignation letter that he decided to step down because “we are entering a new phase in our Afghanistan policy.” He reiterated that reasoning to CBS News.
“I was asked by the former president to negotiate our withdrawal from Afghanistan and get commitments from the Taliban. … That has been achieved. We are out. Our longest war is over,” said Khalilzad, who was tapped in 2018 by then-President Donald Trump to negotiate the withdrawal.