Biden: I Ended the Longest War in U.S. History in Afghanistan
Bayan News – U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the war in Afghanistan was a legacy for him and that he has put an end to the longest war in U.S. history.
Biden made these remarks on Tuesday (September 24) during a session of the United Nations General Assembly. This was Biden’s final speech as U.S. President at the General Assembly.
The U.S. President expressed that withdrawing from Afghanistan was a difficult but correct decision; however, the end of the war in Afghanistan was tragic, as 13 U.S. soldiers and dozens of Afghans lost their lives.
Joe Biden emphasized that, as Vice President under Barack Obama, he helped reduce U.S. forces in Iraq. He said that when he was elected President, he ended a war that had spanned the terms of four presidents.
According to Biden, the U.S. weakened the Al-Qaeda network and brought the perpetrators of the September 11 terrorist attacks to justice.
The U.S. President also noted that thousands of American soldiers were killed during the 20-year U.S. presence in Afghanistan, and over 20,000 more were wounded. “We honor their sacrifice,” he stated.
Biden pointed out that throughout his political career, the world has faced numerous challenges, from the Middle East to the Cold War and terrorism. He continued by saying that now the U.S. is looking to the future with different priorities.
Ukraine and Russia War
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Biden said that the U.S. has guaranteed the survival and existence of Ukraine as a free nation. He added that a political battle is now emerging over what happens next in Ukraine.
He mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in the U.S. this week to persuade his most important ally that Ukraine still has the capability to achieve victory in the ongoing 31-month war.
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