Politico | Joe Biden unveils US withdrawal from Afghanistan in speech heavy on symbolism
- From the September 11 deadline to the Treaty Room where the announcement was made, key details mark what could be one of the president’s defining decisions
- Biden earlier spoke to ex-president George W. Bush, who launched the war in Afghanistan, in a show of respect nearly unthinkable in the Trump years
This story is published in a content partnership with POLITICO. It was originally reported by Nick Niedzwiadek on politico.com on April 14, 2021.
“I’ve concluded it’s time to end America’s longest war,” Biden said. “It’s time for American troops to come home.”
The administration had earlier this week signalled that the withdrawal timeline would coincide with the 20th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks, which have indelibly shaped American politics and foreign policy in the years since.
“We went to Afghanistan because of a horrific attack that happened 20 years ago,” Biden said. “That cannot explain why we should remain there in 2021.”
Biden’s address was given from the Treaty Room, the same area where then President George W. Bush announced that the military had launched airstrikes that marked the beginning of the US war in Afghanistan.
Can Afghan forces defend cities from Taliban when US leaves?
Biden said he spoke to Bush on Tuesday about the decision, a token of respect to the former president and the office that would have been nearly unthinkable under President Donald Trump, who seemed to relish denigrating his predecessors.
“We’re absolutely united in our respect and support for the valour, the courage and integrity of the women and men of the United States armed forces who have served,” Biden said.
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Joe Biden says no ‘hasty rush to exit’ as he unveils withdrawal of final US troops from Afghanistan
However, he did not explicitly say whether Bush was supportive of the decision. Former president Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as vice-president for eight years, lauded the Wednesday announcement as “the right decision” while acknowledging the challenges that loom.
“But after nearly two decades of putting our troops in harm’s way, it is time to recognise that we have accomplished all that we can militarily, and that it’s time to bring our remaining troops home,” Obama said in a statement.
“I support President Biden’s bold leadership in building our nation at home and restoring our standing around the world.”
Following the speech, Biden departed for Arlington National Cemetery to visit the section of gravesites designated for those who served in Afghanistan and other recent conflicts.
“There’s no comforting distance in history in Section 60,” he said at the White House.
“The grief is raw. It’s a visceral reminder of a living cost of war.”
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