As the final hours of evacuation operations from Afghanistan draw near, Qatar continues to receive thanks and appreciation for its significant efforts in this operation, conducted under complex circumstances and great challenges. The U.S. and its allies have evacuated approximately 114,400 individuals from Afghanistan over the past two weeks, but tens of thousands wishing to leave the country will not have that opportunity. Reuters reported yesterday that a little over a thousand civilians remain at the airport awaiting evacuation before the troops withdraw. An official stated, "We want to ensure that every foreign civilian and anyone at risk is evacuated. Troops will begin to depart once this process is complete," while U.S. President Joe Biden affirmed his commitment to the deadline he set for the withdrawal of all American forces from Afghanistan by tomorrow, Tuesday.
The last British military aircraft departed Kabul on Saturday, concluding a chaotic two-week period during which soldiers helped evacuate over 15,000 people from the crowds that surged at the capital's airport. Meanwhile, France evacuated 2,384 individuals, including 142 French nationals, 17 Europeans, and over 2,600 Afghans since August 17.
### Global Recognition
From the first day of evacuation operations, Qatar has garnered praise from world leaders for its role in facilitating these evacuations, having transformed into a global hub for coordination of evacuation efforts. His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, received thanks from the U.S. president, the German chancellor, the French president, the British prime minister, and other international leaders, along with Mr. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, and Mr. Charles Michel, President of the European Council.
On August 20, President Biden expressed his appreciation during a call with the Emir for Qatar’s generous support in the ongoing evacuation of American citizens, diplomatic staff from the U.S. and partner countries, and Afghan citizens at risk. Biden stated this represents the largest airlift in history, made possible by Qatar’s early support to facilitate the daily transport of thousands. He thanked Sheikh Tamim for Qatar's historically significant role in facilitating dialogue among Afghan parties.
The French news agency reported a source close to President Emmanuel Macron stating he requested assistance from Sheikh Tamim with evacuation operations from Kabul's airport during their meeting at the Baghdad Cooperation and Partnership Conference. The French Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that it had engaged in communications with the Taliban in Doha and Kabul regarding procedural matters for evacuations from Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen indicated that the movement’s representatives met with French envoy François Richelieu and his accompanying delegation in Doha.
### Safe Evacuation
Qatar facilitated the safe evacuation and transport of more than 40,000 individuals from Kabul to Qatari soil, coordinating with relevant countries and parties present in Afghanistan. The Foreign Ministry stated that these evacuation efforts come as part of Qatar's commitment to the Afghan people and their right to live with dignity and security. The evacuees included families, women, children, and minorities. The statement elaborated that, at the request of several international groups, including NGOs and media organizations, Qatar evacuated thousands of Afghan employees with their families, along with a significant number of female students from across Afghanistan. Qatar also helped evacuate a number of nationals from friendly countries, such as the United States, France, and Germany.
Her Excellency Lolwah Al Khater, Assistant Foreign Minister, stated that Qatar will continue to participate in evacuation operations from Afghanistan, mentioning the evacuation of hundreds of students and journalists with their families and children. The New York Times published a report about the evacuation of journalists working with outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, where Doha played a pivotal role contributing to the success of the operation.
### Safe Zone
France and Britain are arranging to convene a meeting today for the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (France, Britain, the U.S., Russia, and China) to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, aiming to establish a safe zone under UN control to allow the continuation of humanitarian operations. President Macron stated in an interview with "Le Journal du Dimanche" yesterday that "this is extremely important... and will provide a framework for the UN to act urgently," clarifying that he is considering specific target evacuations "which will not occur through the military airport in Kabul."
While the Washington Post reported that President Biden plans to withdraw the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan and all diplomatic staff by Tuesday, noting that the U.S. administration has not yet made a final decision regarding future diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, British Ambassador to Afghanistan Laurie Bristow stated that the British embassy will operate from Qatar for now, pending a safe return.
