US President Joe Biden has decided to stick to his August 31 Afghanistan withdrawal deadline, rejecting requests from other Western allies to have it extended. The decision was announced by the White House to CNN minutes after the conclusion of the G7 leaders’ meeting, but Mr Biden has asked the Pentagon for contingency plans to stay longer should it be necessary, an official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The deadline is contingent on the Taliban’s cooperation in facilitating evacuations, the official added. Boris Johnson, who pushed hard for an extension, has urged the Taliban to let Britons leave Afghanistan after August 31, and said the G7 has huge leverage over the group. Mr Biden is expected to address the nation this afternoon.
Joe Biden sticks to August 31 deadline for Afghanistan withdrawal
Joe Biden sticks to August 31 deadline for Afghanistan withdrawal
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