Photo: ReutersPresident Joe Biden says he stands "squarely behind" his decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan and rejected broad criticism of the chaotic withdrawal that is posing a crisis for him. Biden blamed the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan on Afghan political leaders who fled the country and the unwillingness of the Afghan army to fight the militant group. "I stand squarely behind my decision," Biden said in a speech at the White House. "I know my decision will be criticized but I would rather take all that criticism than pass this decision on to another president." Biden also coupled his defense with a warning to Taliban leaders: let the US withdrawal proceed unimpeded or face devastating force.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 16, 2021 21:45 UTC