Biden Resists Afghan Deadline Pressure But Seeks Backup Options
- Pentagon, State Department ordered to offer contingency plans
- State Department to say how many Americans are in Afghanistan
This article is for subscribers only.
President Joe Biden resisted mounting pressure to keep U.S. troops in Afghanistan past his Aug. 31 deadline but ordered his national security team to come up with contingency plans if he determines that a delay is needed.
“The completion by Aug. 31 depends on the Taliban continuing to cooperate, allowing access to the airport for those who we’re transporting out, and no disruption to our operations,” Biden said in an address from the White House Tuesday afternoon. “I’ve asked the Pentagon and the State Department for contingency plans to adjust the timetable, should that become necessary.”