Biden defends Afghanistan pullout amid airport chaos

Defiant US president says he “stands squarely” behind withdrawal after 20 years in the country. 16 Aug 2021 - 21:11 GMT US says future Afghan ties depend on ‘actions of Taliban’ The United States said that it would only recognise a Taliban government in Afghanistan if it respects the rights of women and shuns “terrorists”. And for such inhumane discussion of them – he just seems to have such deep disdain for the people of Afghanistan and I can’t understand it.” 16 Aug 2021 - 20:39 GMT Belgium sending evacuation flights to Kabul ‘as soon as possible’ Belgium is to send four military aircraft “as soon as possible” to retrieve roughly 100 nationals or their Afghan family members from Kabul, Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes has said. We could not provide them with the will to fight for that future.” 16 Aug 2021 - 20:12 GMT Biden: ‘I stand squarely behind’ decision to withdraw US forces “I stand squarely behind my decision” to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan, President Joe Biden has said in his first public comments since the Taliban took full control of the country. “We will not allow anyone to use our lands to target anyone, and we do not want to harm others.” 16 Aug 2021 - 00:33 GMT US to secure Kabul airport for departures The Pentagon and the US Department of State said they are taking steps to secure Kabul’s international airport to enable the safe departure of thousands of US and allied personnel from Afghanistan via civilian and military flights.