Biden to Withdraw Troops From Afghanistan By September 11

The New York Times reported Tuesday that the Biden administration plans to withdraw the remaining 2,500 U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11 this year, on the 20th anniversary of the al-Qaida terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. President Joe Biden is expected to make an official announcement Wednesday. Currently, there are about 2,500 U.S. troops in the country, serving alongside 7,000 other foreign troops, most of them part of a NATO coalition. Biden's withdrawal date is later than the May 1 date that the Trump administration agreed on with the Taliban last year; however, troops are expected to begin leaving before the May 1 date and could finish before Sept. 11. The U.S. is currently attempting to negotiate a peace deal between Afghanistan and the Taliban. The news of the withdrawal was met with mixed reactions from lawmakers across the political spectrum. The news applauded by those who criticized the war, while others argued Biden's decision could embolden the Taliban. Outlets from all sides covered the news, as well as reactions from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Some provided analysis and speculation as to what the withdrawal could mean for peace talks between Afghanistan and the Taliban.