In an address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, President Joe Biden defended his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan, calling it a difficult but necessary choice to end America’s longest war.
“When I came to office, Afghanistan had replaced Vietnam as America’s longest war. I was determined to end it. And I did,” Biden told world leaders. “It was a hard decision, but the right decision.”
Biden acknowledged the losses that accompanied the withdrawal, including the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and hundreds of Afghans in a suicide bombing during the chaotic evacuation in 2021. He also honored the broader toll of the two-decade conflict, citing the 2,461 American military personnel who lost their lives and the more than 20,000 who were wounded in action.
“I think of those lost lives every day,” Biden said, expressing deep gratitude for the service and sacrifices made by U.S. troops and their allies.
The president’s remarks come as his administration continues to face criticism for the handling of the withdrawal, but Biden stood by his decision, emphasizing that it was time to end the war and prevent future presidents from having to grapple with the same dilemma. “Four American presidents had faced that decision, but I was determined not to leave it to a fifth,” he said.
Biden also acknowledged the sacrifices made by other nations whose troops fought alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan, paying tribute to their shared commitment and losses.
