WASHINGTON - The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan has given new urgency to Vice President Kamala Harris' tour of southeast Asia, where she will attempt to reassure allies of American resolve following the chaotic end of a two-decade war.The trip, which begins Friday and includes stops in Singapore and Vietnam, will provide a forum for Harris to assert herself more directly in foreign affairs.
She will have opportunities to affirm what she and President Joe Biden view as core American values, including human rights.
That's especially important given concerns about the future for women and girls in Afghanistan with the Taliban back in power.But there are also substantial risks.