Politicians Split on Biden's Troop Withdrawal Timeline

Later today, President Joe Biden is expected to announce, "it is time to end America’s longest war." However, that is easier said than done. Many lawmakers have criticized the timeline. Most who have, point to signs indicating Afghanistan is not prepared. Others have argued it is time to finally end America's "forever war."Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the president's own party, tweeted, "I’m very disappointed in @POTUS' decision to set a Sept. deadline to walk away from Afghanistan. Although this decision was made in coordination w/our allies, the U.S. has sacrificed too much to bring stability to Afghanistan to leave w/o verifiable assurances of a secure future."To the contrary, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) said, “It took us 10 years to find and kill Osama bin Laden. We stayed an additional 10 years to help train Afghan security forces and create conditions for a more stable future in that country.... It is now time to bring our troops home.”Republican lawmakers have mostly opposed the president in all things, and this matter was no different. Similarly, the same GOP lawmakers had also criticized former President Trump for his plan to leave Afghanistan. Nevertheless, it is not only American troops who will be heading home.

NATO Leaving Afghanistan

The September withdrawal coincides with the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. It also lines up with the planned NATO withdraw. There are currently an estimated 7000 NATO troops in Afghanistan.Secretary of State Antony Blinken elaborated on the matter by saying, “Together, we went into Afghanistan to deal with those who attacked us and to make sure that Afghanistan would not again become a haven for terrorists who might attack any of us,” Blinken remarked. Furthermore, stating, “And together, we have achieved the goals that we we set out to achieve. And now it is time to bring our forces home.”He also went on to say, “We will work very closely together in the weeks and months ahead on a safe, deliberate and coordinated withdrawal of our forces from Afghanistan."What do you think of the September withdrawal date? Do you think it is time to bring our troops home? Should we stay longer? Sound off in the comments below!