U.S. President Joe Biden has vowed to continue supporting the Afghan people, proudly recognizing the United States as the single largest donor of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. This commitment was articulated in an official statement issued by the White House on the occasion of the second anniversary marking the end of America’s longest war and its withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In his statement, President Biden noted, “Two years ago, the United States ended nearly two decades of war in Afghanistan—the longest war in American history.” He extended his everlasting gratitude to military personnel, diplomats, intelligence experts, and development specialists. “They not only advanced America’s mission in Afghanistan for two decades but also executed our withdrawal with the same resolve and courage that has characterized American service in Afghanistan. Together, they helped evacuate nearly 120,000 people in one of the largest airlift operations in history,” Biden said.
The President also expressed his pride for welcoming over 117,000 new Afghan arrivals into the United States, pledging continued support for the Afghan people. “Just as they contributed to our mission in Afghanistan for twenty years, our Afghan allies are now making significant contributions across our country. And as they stood with us, I remain committed to standing with them—including urging Congress to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act so that we can provide a pathway to permanent legal status for our Afghan friends and neighbors,” Biden concluded.
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan ended a 20-year conflict, leaving the nation in a fragile state. The political, economic, and social conditions remain tenuous, with the Taliban regaining control of the country. Humanitarian aid has become more critical than ever to help alleviate the crisis, and the U.S. is leading the efforts as the largest individual donor.
This comes as the Biden administration faces a mixed array of criticisms and approvals for its Afghan policy. The pullout was seen by some as a necessary end to a costly war but by others as a hasty decision that left a vacuum, which the Taliban were quick to fill.
As the U.S. looks to redefine its role in Afghanistan, the focus seems to be shifting from military involvement to diplomatic and humanitarian assistance. In this context, Biden’s statement reaffirms this shift, highlighting the American commitment to helping Afghanistan navigate its complex journey towards stability.
The Afghan Adjustment Act, as mentioned by Biden, is a legislative proposal aimed at providing a pathway to permanent legal status for Afghans who have worked alongside U.S. forces and are now residing in the United States. Passage of this act would be a step towards fulfilling America’s commitment to its Afghan allies.
