Explaining the issues involved with the decision in 2021 for America to withdraw from Afghanistan and end the war that began after the invasion in 2001.
Video: President Joe Biden addresses the nation on the Afghan withdrawal
In his speech to the nation, President Biden said, “I stand squarely behind my decision. After 20 years I’ve learned the hard way that there was never a good time to withdraw U.S. forces.”
Biden added, “I am president of the United States of America. The buck stops with me.”
Before Withdrawal
U.S. military leadership repeatedly misled the public on the preparedness of Afghan security forces, consistently painting a rosy picture of how ready fighters trained by America were to take on the Taliban.
Kabul Airport Escape
Desperate Afghan citizens stormed the airport in Kabul, hoping to get out before a full Taliban takeover.
Global Response
Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by the Taliban for attending school, called for an immediate ceasefire in the region.
Republican Response
Donald Trump, who originally started the withdrawal policy, said Biden should “resign in disgrace.”
The Republican National Committee (RNC) scrubbed a web page on their site that touted Donald Trump’s deal with the Taliban to end the Afghan war.
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.