Timeline: Inside the Weekend When Biden Decided to Withdraw
President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, marks a significant turning point in America’s longest war. The decision, announced on April 14, 2021, came after months of deliberation and reflection on the part of the Biden administration. Here is a timeline of the key events and decisions that led to this historic moment:
Friday, April 9, 2021: President Biden meets with his national security team to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. The meeting comes after a series of deadly attacks by the Taliban and concerns about the ongoing violence in the country. Biden expresses his frustration with the lack of progress in the peace talks and the deteriorating security situation.
Saturday, April 10, 2021: President Biden speaks with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to discuss the US withdrawal plan. Ghani expresses his concerns about the timeline and the potential impact on the Afghan government’s ability to maintain stability in the country. Biden reassures Ghani that the US will continue to support Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism.
Sunday, April 11, 2021: President Biden convenes another meeting with his national security team to discuss the withdrawal plan. The team presents various options, including a full withdrawal by September 11, 2021, or a partial withdrawal with a small residual force remaining in the country. Biden expresses his preference for a full withdrawal, citing the need to end America’s involvement in the conflict.
Monday, April 12, 2021: President Biden meets with his top military advisors to discuss the logistics of the withdrawal plan. The advisors raise concerns about the potential impact on Afghan security forces and the risk of a resurgence of Taliban control in the country. Biden acknowledges the risks but reiterates his commitment to ending the war.
Tuesday, April 13, 2021: President Biden announces his decision to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021. In a speech to the nation, Biden explains his rationale for the decision, citing the need to focus on other national security priorities and end America’s longest war. The announcement is met with mixed reactions, with some praising Biden for his bold move and others expressing concerns about the potential consequences.
Wednesday, April 14, 2021: President Biden’s decision to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, is met with both support and criticism. The Taliban welcomes the announcement as a victory for their cause, while Afghan officials express concerns about the security implications of the withdrawal. The international community reacts cautiously, with some countries expressing support for the decision and others urging caution.
In conclusion, President Biden’s decision to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, marks a significant moment in America’s history. The decision was the result of months of deliberation and reflection on the part of the Biden administration, and it reflects the president’s commitment to ending America’s involvement in the conflict. Only time will tell what the long-term consequences of this decision will be, both for Afghanistan and for the United States.