Jackie Northam

This week, as the U.S. prepared to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the Taliban named a new interim government in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has long been seen as backing the Taliban in defiance of the rest of the world. But now that they have seized control of Afghanistan, that relationship could change.

About 200 people, including some Americans, departed the Afghan capital on Thursday. Officials said this was not an evacuation flight, but rather that people were leaving of their own free will.

When Kabul fell to the Taliban on Aug. 15, the president of Afghanistan fled. It was so fast, the group didn't seem to have a plan to run the country. Tuesday, they announced an interim government.

The Taliban released a list of interim ministers of a new acting government at a press conference in Kabul. The list included many who are under U.N. and/or U.S. sanctions.

Travelers have spent seven days waiting to depart from the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif. At least 19 U.S. citizens and two green card holders are said to be among the group of about 600.

In 2011, the CIA involved a local doctor to help verify Osama bin Laden was hiding in a compound in Pakistan. That decision has had a long lasting impact on aid groups trying to work in the country.

With the U.S. military gone, the big question now is: What happens next in the new chapter between the two countries, and what happens to Americans and others left behind.

Pakistan helped create the Taliban in the 1990s — and was one of only three countries to recognize their government. Now the country is watching the situation in Afghanistan.

Pakistan's neighbor has long been associated with the Taliban. The group controls most Afghan territory after decades of war with the U.S. Afghan refugees are trying to cross into Pakistan.

There were two explosions Thursday outside Kabul's airport, where thousands of people have been gathering for days trying to get out of the country and to safety following the Taliban's takeover.

Protests against the Taliban takeover have spread to more provinces in Afghanistan. With a humanitarian crisis rising, thousands gather at the Kabul airport in an attempt to flee the country.

There have been more protests in parts of Afghanistan against Taliban rule. The militant group is already having challenges governing. With a humanitarian crisis brewing, thousands are trying to flee.

The Taliban are back in power in Afghanistan. What does it mean for the Afghan people? In the 90s, when last they ruled, it was a brutal, utterly ruthless regime that terrorized its people.

The Taliban made some big promises during its first press conference since capturing Afghanistan. They said they would protect a free media and women's rights, but within the framework of Islam law.

President Biden spoke on the fall of Kabul and the end of the decades-long project in Afghanistan that unraveled over the past few days.

Afghan officials told the Associated Press that President Ashraf Ghani left the country, and the Taliban said they will move further into Kabul.

On day when things are moving and changing very quickly in Afghanistan, we turn now to NPR correspondents Jackie Northam, Franco Ordonez and Greg Myre for the latest.

China and the Taliban are increasing their outreach to each other, as the insurgent group takes over much of Afghanistan.

The Taliban have made rapid gains on the battlefield across Afghanistan. The Afghan government and security forces seem unable to stem the Taliban's advances.