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Biden, Joe

Taliban Celebrate Victory in Afghanistan as US Withdrawal Completes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Taliban are celebrating their victory in Afghanistan after the US completed its withdrawal from the country. President Biden said that the US would not have extended the war "forever" and that the Taliban would not be judged solely on what they say. The Taliban now control the country, but have yet to establish a formal government. They have two priorities: ensuring security and economic growth, with many people starving in Kabul due to price hikes on everyday commodities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan, leaving the Taliban in control.
  • President Biden said the US would not have extended the war "forever" and that the Taliban would not be judged solely on what they say.
  • The Taliban have two priorities: ensuring security and economic growth.
  • Many people in Kabul are starving due to price hikes on everyday commodities.
  • The Taliban have yet to establish a formal government.
  • President Biden said the US would not extend the forever war and would not extend a forever exit.
  • The Taliban have no formal government in place, despite being in control of the country.
  • The Taliban's priorities are securing the country and promoting economic growth.

Statistics:

  • 20 years passed before the Taliban turned over and then disappeared (according to Ali Mustafa).
  • 20 years to build the former dispensation (according to Ali Mustafa).
  • 2-3 weeks for the Taliban to figure out how to take charge of the government (according to Ali Mustafa).
  • 40% of homes in Grand Isle, Louisiana were completely destroyed by Hurricane Ida.
  • 3 feet of sand buried Grand Isle, making it uninhabitable (according to Debbie Elliott).
  • More than 40% of the homes in Grand Isle were completely destroyed (according to Jefferson Parish officials).
  • A smell of natural gas in the area of Grand Isle has officials concerned (according to Eleanor Elliott).

Sources:

  • Ali Mustafa
  • TRT World
  • President Joe Biden
  • Debbie Elliott
  • NPR
  • Louisiana Governor Greg Abbott
  • Texas Governor Greg Abbott
  • Ashley Lopez
  • KUT
  • member station in Austin, Texas

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