U.S. ARMY Soldiers assigned to the 10th Mountain Division stand security at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Isaiah Campbell)

A new term is entering the language during the frantic efforts to evacuate Americans and Afghan allies in the wake of the conquest of Afghanistan by the Taliban.

According to the Associated Press, the airlifts from Kabul flew about 10,400 people out overnight into Monday morning, with some cooperation from Taliban commanders.

“Thus far, and going forward, it does require coordination and deconfliction with the Taliban,” said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.

However, a spokesman for the radical Islamic regime told Sky News that the deadline of Aug. 31 to withdraw U.S. forces from the country was a “red line” and – if crossed – could “provoke a reaction.”

According to The New York Times, tens of thousands of people remain seeking evacuation, including some Americans and Western allies, along with Afghans who supported the now-toppled Afghan national government.

FDA formally approves Pfizer vaccine

THE PFIZER vaccine has received  approval of the FDA (Flickr/EpicTop10.com).

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday gave full and formal approval to the coronavirus vaccine created by Pfizer/BioNTech.  The vaccine had been approved on an emergency basis in December.

Monday’s ruling by the FDA endorses its safe use for people 16 and older. It prompted President Joe Biden to make a pitch for the unvaccinated to get their “jab,” according to Reuters.com.

“If you’re one of the millions of Americans who said that theywill not get the shot until is has full and final approval of the FDA, it has now happened.”

As a consequence of the FDA ruling, the Department of Defense is expected to make vaccination mandatory for all military personnel. New York City has announced that vaccination is required of all public school teachers there.

Capitol Police officer cleared in shooting

THE STORMING of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 (Wikipedia).

A Capitol Police officer has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of a rioter during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

According to United Press International, the officer – who was not named – will not face discipline in the incident and the agency concluded that the officer’s use of deadly force was justified.

“The actions of the officer in this case potentially saved members and staff from serious injury and possible death” in helping to repel the rioters who forced their way into the Capitol and House [of Representatives],” the report stated.

Ashli Babbit, 35, of Ocean Beach, was the rioter killed. At least seven persons died as a consequence of the incident, including two officers who committed suicide in the aftermath.

Also of note ….

• Former President Donald Trump was booed at a rally in Alabama on Saturday when he urged his supporters get vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to USA Today. “You know what? I believe totally in your freedoms. You got to do what you have to do, but I recommend: Take the vaccines. I did it – It’s good,” he said.
• Californians are narrowly in favor of keeping Democrat Gavin Newsom as governor, according to a summary of recent public opinion polls compiled by FiveThirtyEight.com. Those wanting to keep Newsom represented 48.5 percent, while 47.6 percent wanted to recall him.
• If Newsom is recalled, the likely winner to replace him is Republican radio personality Larry Elder, who has 19.3 percent support among 46 candidates.