After contemplating for months since winning the election, US President Joe Biden will withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan over the coming months, declaring that the Sept. 11 terror attacks of 20 years ago cannot justify American forces still dying in the nation’s longest war.
He also stated that the withdrawal would begin on May 1, in line with an agreement reached between President Donald Trump’s administration and the Taliban, and that it will be completed by the 20th anniversary of the Sept 11 attacks on the World Trade Centre.
The White House said in a statement that Joe Biden told Ashraf Ghani, that the US will continue to help the Afghan people through development, humanitarian, and security assistance.
The U.S. cannot continue to pour resources into an intractable war and expect some different outcomes.
President of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani said in a series of tweets that his country supports the withdrawal decision and will work with the US to ensure a smooth transition. He also said that Afghanistan’s security forces are completely capable of defending its citizens and country.
What was the US- Taliban Peace Deal?
The United States and the Taliban signed an agreement in February 2020 that called for peace talks. The deal included the withdrawal of US troops along with bringing down NATO or coalition troop numbers within 14 months from when the deal was signed. In exchange, the Taliban has promised not to allow any group or person to use Afghan soil to threaten the US or its allies. The Taliban has also stated that it would cut ties with militant groups including Al Qaeda.
Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. S Jaishankar on several occasions has highlighted that enduring peace in Afghanistan is important for the peace, security & prosperity of the region & the world. He had also underscored the importance of a comprehensive & permanent ceasefire for a successful Afghan peace process.
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