‘It was inconceivable to leave Afghanistan without causing turmoil,’ says US Vice President Joe Biden

As the US asked the jubilant Taliban to allow safe passage for refugees, US President Joe Biden cautioned Wednesday that leaving Afghanistan without instability was unimaginable. In the midst of tragic sights at Kabul’s airport, where US forces are racing against the clock to evacuate tens of thousands of people, Biden stood firm in his resolve to end the US’s 20-year war in Afghanistan. In a public speech, he remarked that he had no idea how anyone could have gotten out without pandemonium erupting.

The government of Vice President Joe Biden has long promised an “orderly departure” from America’s longest conflict. The president has indicated that there is no national interest in US soldiers fighting in a long struggle. Biden expressed confidence that the hundreds of US troops returning to Afghanistan for evacuations would be out by August 31, the deadline he set for the end of the war. The president, who has admitted that he was taken aback by the fast fall of the US-backed Afghan government, ordered the Kabul airport to be taken over in order to conduct evacuations.

He went on to add that if any American citizens remain, the military will stay until all of them have been evacuated. He added that the Taliban is cooperating in helping Americans to depart, but that forces are facing further difficulties.

Despite the Taliban’s assurances not to retaliate, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman voiced worry about reports of harassment and obstacles for Afghan citizens.
More than 4,800 people, including US citizens and Afghans, have been evacuated since the military secured Hamid Karzai International Airport, where the US embassy has been temporarily relocated.

Tens of thousands of Afghans are expected to evacuate for fear of Taliban vengeance, including translators for US troops, staff of US non-governmental organizations and media outlets, and women’s rights campaigners.