US VP Harris begins Asia trip amid Afghan debacle

SINGAPORE, Aug 22:  Vice President Kamala Harris began a trip to Asia Sunday where she will offer reassurances of Washington's commitment to the region after the chaotic US pullout from Afghanistan and Taliban takeover.
The hardline Islamists' swift return to power a week ago, and desperate scenes of thousands trying to flee, have cast another
    shadow over the United States' status as a global superpower.
But on her visit, which includes stops in Singapore and Vietnam, Harris will seek to allay concerns about US dependability.
"The vice president will make clear throughout the trip that we do have an enduring commitment to the region," said a senior US official. Harris, an Asian-American whose mother was of Indian origin, landed in Singapore Sunday and will start her activities Monday by meeting the city- state's leaders.
The Vietnam leg has sparked criticism, with some accusing Harris of being tone-deaf for visiting the communist country as US forces struggle to evacuate Americans, other foreigners and Afghan allies from Kabul airport.    -AFP