As the Taliban
take control of Afghanistan, 20 years of US’ intervention in the country
becomes undone. But undeterred by the violence, the United States continues its
withdrawal of troops from the war-torn country. In a sudden change in position
a couple of days ago, US President Joe Biden decided to send some troops to
Afghanistan. Expectations arose that US was going to help the civilian
government. It was later revealed that the troops were in Afghanistan only to
help US embassy staff return home safe.   

Also Read | Watch | Taliban fighters party after breaking into Afghan general’s home

As of
Sunday, August 15, the Taliban have seized power and the US-backed civilian
government led by President Ashraf Ghani has been ousted. Mullah Abdul Ghani
Baradar of the Taliban will lead the interim government.

The recent
developments in Afghanistan and US’ withdrawal amid the crisis has given rise
to questions around the reasons why US remains adamant about withdrawal even
while the international community is worried of Afghanistan falling to the
Taliban. Now, when Afghanistan has actually fallen to the Taliban, it seems
like a good time to explore the reasons behind the United States’ adamant exit.

Also Read | Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani resigns, Taliban to lead interim government

“They’ve
got to fight for themselves, fight for their nation,” US President Joe Biden
was quoted saying about Afghanistan as he strongly maintained that he does not regret
his decision to withdraw troops. The words of the Biden administration amid
this unfolding tragedy have seemed strikingly cold. But what has allowed the US
to remain so cold in its responses?

One of the
reasons why the US has managed to stay so adamant, according to media sources,
is because of the strongly-held belief in Washington that Americans don’t care
about what happens in Afghanistan. Further, politicians from both sides have
generally supported Biden’s decision to withdraw or have at lease acquiesced to
it. Therefore, Biden can pull out of Afghanistan without any political fallout
at home.

Also Read | Afghanistan: How Taliban defeated the US-backed Afghan army

Biden’s
quitting of Afghanistan is in continuation of the deal struck between the
Taliban and the Trump Administration. The Trump Administration had agreed to
withdraw all troops by May 1, 2021. The Biden Administration, while delaying
it, has stuck to the clause. Earlier, the Taliban had threatened to attack US and
other NATO troops on ground if the deadline were not adhered to. By pulling
out, Biden has ensured that the blood of US soldiers no longer flows on Kabul’s
streets.

Another
reason why the US remains steadfast in its decision is because Afghanistan is
no longer as big a threat to the US as it was at the beginning of the century.
The US is increasingly facing threats from Iran, Russia, North Korea and China.
With Afghanistan not being a military priority in US’ foreign policy, the US
has decided to cut its losses and pull out of Afghanistan irrespective of its
consequences. The consequences are there for the world to see.