The withdrawal is ahead of schedule — “Speed is safety,” Biden explained — and expected to be complete by Aug. 31. The Taliban, the radical Islamist group that ruled Afghanistan and harbored Al Qaeda before the war started, have gained ground across the country in anticipation of the Americans’ exit, while the U.S.-trained Afghan military has faltered. Such a collapse could allow the resurgent Taliban to retake power or set the stage for a chaotic civil war. “Get ready for major upheaval as this decision by President Biden is a disaster in the making,” Graham tweeted. “Period.”AdvertisementAt the core of Biden’s remarks was his impassioned rebuttal to critics who say U.S. forces should remain in Afghanistan.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 08, 2021 18:56 UTC