[HotAir] Say, wasn’t that number “around 100” two months ago? Even as late as Monday’s press briefing, State Department spokesperson Ned Price gave a range that was considerably lower than what State communicated yesterday to members of Congress:
Bear in mind that the 363 citizens are separate from those already exfiltrated. That puts the original estimates of “around 100” off by 400%. Even the number of those who “want to leave” but remain stuck don’t add up to State’s initial estimates. Note too that State is still not being clear about how many LPRs are still stuck in Afghanistan, even while they take credit for exfiltrating 131 LPRs … likely accomplished by others anyway.
Even the “wants to leave” claim is an obfuscation. The Americans who aren’t ready to leave are mostly those being held back by their relatives’ non-visa status with the State Department. They won’t leave family members behind, but the State Department is making it sound as though they are staying by choice.
|