Afghanistan crisis underscores the United States’ changing position in the world

The latest: Afghans waving the national flag turned up to protest in Kabul and other cities Thursday, defying Taliban fighters in scattered demonstrations to mark the anniversary of the country’s independence from British rule. The protests raised the specter of broader popular opposition to the group, which has swept Afghanistan in a stunning attack over the past two weeks, and a high-ranking Taliban commander told Reuters that the country would be subject to sharia law after becoming the group. He returned to power. In the interview, Wahidullah al-Hashemi alluded to a regime that could be as oppressive towards women as it was when the militants last ran Afghanistan. Troops will remain in the country after August 31 if necessary to evacuate any remaining Americans who wish to leave the country. Exertion? Tell The Post.