Joe Biden says he stands by US withdrawal from Afghanistan
ABCUS President Joe Biden says he stands squarely behind his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, after the Taliban seized power in just over a week. Key points: Mr Biden said the collapse of the Afghan armed forces was quicker than expected He said political leaders gave up and fled the country and armed forces did not put up a fight Scenes like those of desperate Afghans clinging to US military planes are "gutwrenching", he said Mr Biden said the collapse of the Afghan armed forces was quicker than anticipated, but insisted contingency plans were in place. Mr Biden said he would not repeat "the mistakes of the past" by fighting in a conflict that was no longer in the interests of the United States. "I stand squarely behind my decision," Mr Biden said "After 20 years, I've learned the hard way that there was never a good time to withdraw US forces."