Clarissa Ward grills Pentagon press secretary about 'hallow promises' amid Afghan chaos
CNN's Clarissa Ward did not mince words when she questioned Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby about whether U.S. allies still in Afghanistan can be confident that they "will not be abandoned" as the Taliban takes over.
Ward stressed the importance of the Pentagon upholding its promise to the Afghan people as she demanded answers about their plan to do just that.
"I would want you to tell them that there is a process that they can apply for through the state department to get onto the list and to get onto the manifest," Kirby said, adding, "And I would ask them to work with state department authorities there in Kabul to do that.
"If they are through that process, I can assure them," Kirby said, "that we in the Pentagon will do everything we can to help get them out of the country over the next couple of weeks. That's what we're flowing in extra aircraft for. That's why we're flowing in extra troops to maintain security at that airport so we can do that."
Kirby went on to boast about the 70,000 individuals the department has moved since 2005 as he acknowledged the United States' obligation to the Afghan people. But, Ward did not appear convinced by that he was being completely forthcoming.
Admitting that Kirby's words sounded more like "hollow promises," Ward demanded to hear a clear promise about whether or not the people have his word to assist them during this difficult time.
"To most Afghan people that I'm talking to John that is going to sound like hollow promises. Can I have your word? These people are depending on you. They are depending on America," Ward said.
She added, "Their lives are at threat. They've given everything to work with America to rebuild this country."
