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President Biden addressed the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan during remarks on Aug. 16. Here’s his speech in less than 3 minutes. (Video: Blair Guild/The Washington Post)

Biden defends decision to withdraw from Afghanistan after Taliban’s rapid return to power

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President Biden defended his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan in remarks at the White House on Monday afternoon, blaming the Taliban’s takeover on the unwillingness of the Afghan army to fight the militant group and arguing that remaining in the country was not in the U.S. national interest.  
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Chaotic scenes at the airport contrasted with many parts of downtown Kabul, where Monday passed largely peacefully.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned of a potential influx of Afghan migrants into Europe, adding that European Union leaders are in contact to launch an initiative against irregular migration. He also added that France would welcome Afghans who had worked with its forces, as well as human rights activists.
President Biden defended his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in a speech at the White House on Monday afternoon, though he acknowledged that the Afghan government’s collapse took place more quickly than expected.
U.S. troops at Kabul’s international airport came under fire at least twice, and one American service member may have been wounded, the Pentagon said. By Tuesday morning, there could be up to 3,500 U.S. troops on the ground.
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Chaotic scenes at the airport contrasted with many parts of downtown Kabul, where Monday passed largely peacefully.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned of a potential influx of Afghan migrants into Europe, adding that European Union leaders are in contact to launch an initiative against irregular migration. He also added that France would welcome Afghans who had worked with its forces, as well as human rights activists.
President Biden defended his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in a speech at the White House on Monday afternoon, though he acknowledged that the Afghan government’s collapse took place more quickly than expected.
U.S. troops at Kabul’s international airport came under fire at least twice, and one American service member may have been wounded, the Pentagon said. By Tuesday morning, there could be up to 3,500 U.S. troops on the ground.
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