TOPIC A: AFGHANISTAN: When President Biden visits the Pentagon today, his public comments will be upbeat, thanking the building’s civilian and uniformed workforce for the job they do keeping the public safe and marking Black History Month by highlighting the significance of having the first black secretary of defense in history leading the department.

“As the first president in 40 years with a child who served in the military, he has a personal connection to the important role of the military, the men and women who serve,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. “Over 40% of active-duty forces are men and women of color, and you will hear President Biden pay special tribute to the rich history of black service members.”