In October 2001, US forces and its allies invaded Afghanistan to retaliate against Al-Queda’s terrorist attack, 9/11. Almost 20 years later, US troops are still deployed to Afghanistan as this war wages on. Today, Biden publicly announced plans to end this war and have troops removed from Afghanistan by Sept. 11.

US forces have remained in Afghanistan for this long to better relations with the Taliban and prevent terrorist groups from rising to power. Although the US has been able to make progress in this area, Biden stated that the 2,500 soldiers still in Afghanistan will not be able to effectively deter terrorism in this area and lessen the Taliban’s control. Another factor which went into Biden pulling troops is the expenses this war has cost over the years. Over 2 trillion dollars in taxpayer money has been spent to keep soldiers in Afghanistan.

Since the news broke, there has been mixed opinions amongst other powerful political figures about Biden’s decision. Many have used social platform to express opposition or support. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, took to twitter to describe the decision as an “important and welcomed development”. On the other hand, during a Capitol Hill press conference, Senator Lindsay Graham stated that Biden is “paving the way for another 9/11”. Despite conflicting opinions circulating throughout, only the upcoming months and years can determine the effect of ending America’s longest war.