Biden "No Regrets on Afghanistan Withdrawal Decision"... Discussion on Kabul Embassy Evacuation

"Afghan Leaders Must Fight on Their Own"
Discussions Begin on U.S. Embassy Withdrawal in Kabul

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As the Afghan armed group Taliban takes control of the entire country and pressures the capital Kabul, U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated that he does not regret the decision to withdraw U.S. troops and emphasized the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces stationed in Afghanistan by the end of this month according to the existing withdrawal plan. It is also reported that within the Biden administration, discussions have begun on the complete withdrawal of the U.S. embassy in Kabul, anticipating the imminent collapse of the Afghan government.

On the 10th (local time), President Biden stated at a White House press conference, "There is no change in the decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, and I do not regret this decision," emphasizing, "Afghan leaders must unite and fight for their country." He continued, "The U.S. military has trained over 300,000 Afghan soldiers, and support such as air support, food, and equipment resupply for the Afghan government forces will continue."

President Biden’s remarks came after news that the Taliban had captured Farah, the seventh provincial capital and a western hub among Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. Despite the Taliban controlling 65% of Afghan territory and the possibility of Kabul falling within weeks, his comments clearly indicate no extension of U.S. troop deployment or additional troop dispatch.

The U.S. government is focusing more on diplomacy than military action, according to the Associated Press. Starting on the 11th, a trilateral meeting involving the U.S., China, and Russia will be held in Doha, Qatar, to discuss the Afghan issue. Additionally, a U.S. special envoy is planned to be dispatched to the ongoing peace negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government in Doha, Qatar.

Within the Biden administration, the complete withdrawal of the U.S. embassy in Kabul is also reportedly under discussion. CNN cited sources within the administration saying, "Although Kabul is not currently under immediate threat, there is a sense within the government that preparations are necessary," and reported, "They are discussing reducing personnel at the Kabul embassy as a preliminary measure for an immediate embassy withdrawal in case of emergency."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.