Biden Defends His Record on Afghanistan, Says He's Leaving Trump a "Strong Hand to Play"

On Monday, Biden delivered his final significant foreign policy address from the State Department.

Biden Defends His Record on Afghanistan, Says He's Leaving Trump a "Strong Hand to Play"
Biden Defends His Record on Afghanistan, Says He's Leaving Trump a "Strong Hand to Play"

On Monday, President Biden delivered his final address from the State Department regarding American foreign policy and national security, with his term ending in one week and President-elect Trump set to assume the presidency.

Biden did not mention the incoming president by name, but he referred to the previous and incoming Trump administration and boasted about leaving a "strong hand to play."

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers a speech at the State Department in Washington, U.S. January 13, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Joe Biden delivers a speech at the State Department in Washington, U.S. January 13, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

The president mentioned several crucial nations for U.S. national security, but he also brought up the controversial U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members and 140 Afghan civilians when ISIS-K attacked those leaving through Abbey Gate.

Biden stated that he is the first president in many years who will not be leaving a war in Afghanistan for his successor to inherit.

The Obama administration assessed that large numbers of American forces were no longer needed after the 2011 assassination of Osama bin Laden, the 9/11 mastermind.

"When I assumed office, I had a decision to make - I saw no reason to keep thousands of servicemen in Afghanistan. In my opinion, it was time to end the war and bring our troops back, which we did."

This is a developing story.

by Caitlin McFall

world

An Africa-based Task Force has been established to address concerns about terrorism from Iran and jihadi organizations.

An Africa-based Task Force has been established to address concerns about terrorism from Iran and jihadi organizations.

world
Putin and Xi pledge to strengthen their alliance following Trump's return to the White House.

Putin and Xi pledge to strengthen their alliance following Trump's return to the White House.

world
Trump administration praised by mother of missing Marine veteran as search for son continues.

Trump administration praised by mother of missing Marine veteran as search for son continues.

world
Trump's Threat to Retake the Panama Canal Sparks Russia's Protest

Trump's Threat to Retake the Panama Canal Sparks Russia's Protest

world
Israeli military chief resigns due to October 7 Hamas massacre: 'A constant burden'

Israeli military chief resigns due to October 7 Hamas massacre: 'A constant burden'

world
Trump's return to the White House prompts reaction from world leaders.

Trump's return to the White House prompts reaction from world leaders.

world
A fire at a popular ski hotel in Turkey results in the death of 66 individuals.

A fire at a popular ski hotel in Turkey results in the death of 66 individuals.

world
What were the contents of the brown bags given to Israeli hostages freed by Hamas?

What were the contents of the brown bags given to Israeli hostages freed by Hamas?

world
A major counterterrorism operation is underway in a West Bank city by the Israeli military.

A major counterterrorism operation is underway in a West Bank city by the Israeli military.

world
On Inauguration Day, Israeli president praises Trump's work to release hostages, calling him a 'true friend'.

On Inauguration Day, Israeli president praises Trump's work to release hostages, calling him a 'true friend'.

world
As part of a cease-fire agreement, Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners to secure the release of hostages.

As part of a cease-fire agreement, Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners to secure the release of hostages.

world
A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas may allow the rearming of terrorists in Gaza.

A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas may allow the rearming of terrorists in Gaza.

world
Israelis rejoice as first hostages are released after 471 days in captivity.

Israelis rejoice as first hostages are released after 471 days in captivity.

world
A report states that the German ambassador has warned that Trump's 'maximum disruption' agenda will 'undermine' democratic principles.

A report states that the German ambassador has warned that Trump's 'maximum disruption' agenda will 'undermine' democratic principles.

world
The Israel-Hamas cease-fire will be implemented on Sunday, and its implications will be closely monitored.

The Israel-Hamas cease-fire will be implemented on Sunday, and its implications will be closely monitored.

world
In Tehran, two Supreme Court judges were fatally shot by a gunman, according to state media reports. Afterward, the assailant took his own life.

In Tehran, two Supreme Court judges were fatally shot by a gunman, according to state media reports. Afterward, the assailant took his own life.

world
Qatar announces cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to begin Sunday morning.

Qatar announces cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to begin Sunday morning.

world