Biden adds forces for Afghan evacuation, defends decision to withdraw troops

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. draw down / drɔ daʊn / (phrasal v.) – to reduce the size of a force in an area, especially a military force
    Example:

    The president promised to begin drawing down soldiers in the war zone next month.


  2. authorize / ˈɔ θəˌraɪz / (v.) – to use one’s power or authority to approve or endorse something
    Example:

    The mayor authorized the sale of the city’s land.


  3. deployment / dɪˈplɔɪ mənt / (n.) – the act of sending people or things to a certain place for a specific purpose
    Example:

    During the Vietnam War, some Americans moved to Canada to escape their mandatory deployment.


  4. swift / swɪft / (adj.) – happening suddenly or within a very short period of time
    Example:

    Many people hoped for a swift transition after the election, but it actually took several months.


  5. indefinite / ɪnˈdɛf ə nɪt / (adj.) – without limits
    Example:

    The project is on indefinite hold; I don’t know when we’ll work on it next.


Article

Read the text below.

U.S. President Joe Biden said Aug. 14 that he had approved additional military forces to go to Kabul to help safely draw down the American Embassy and remove personnel from Afghanistan.


In a lengthy statement, Biden defended his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, arguing that Afghan forces had to fight back against Taliban fighters sweeping through the country.


“Based on the recommendations of our diplomatic, military and intelligence teams, I have authorized the deployment of approximately 5,000 U.S. troops to make sure we can have an orderly and safe drawdown of U.S. personnel and other allied personnel,” Biden said.


Biden said his administration had told Taliban representatives that any action that put U.S. personnel at risk “will be met with a swift and strong U.S. military response.”


But he also said an indefinite U.S. military presence was not an option.


Biden’s Aug. 14 move came amid growing pressure to adjust a withdrawal plan that is generating some of the harshest criticism of his six months in office. (AP)


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Biden authorized the deployment of about 5,000 US troops to ensure an orderly and safe drawdown of personnel. Do you think this was the right move? In your opinion, is it possible for the US to evacuate everyone from the country safely? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Biden’s administration had told Taliban representatives that any action that put US personnel at risk would be met with a swift and strong US military response. Do you think there’s any chance that this could start a new war? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Biden said that an indefinite US military presence in Afghanistan was not an option. Do you agree? Do you think the US should also end its military presence in other countries? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Biden’s withdraw plan generated some of the harshest criticism of his six months in office. In your country, what has the current administration been most criticized for? Do you think this criticism is valid? Why or why not? Discuss.