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President Biden Defends Afghanistan Withdrawal in National Address

US President Joe Biden defended the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in a national address on August 31, one day after the last US troops left the country.

Speaking at the White House, Biden began by thanking US troops for their work to evacuate more than 120,000 people from Afghanistan. Biden said the evacuation efforts were an “extraordinary success” due to the “skill, bravery, and selfless courage” of the military, diplomats, and intelligence professionals.

Biden said he accepted responsibility for the decision to withdraw and said he did not believe that staying longer was an option. Biden said the choice he faced was between leaving or escalating the war.

This video shows Biden’s full address at the White House. Credit: The White House via Storyful