Good evening, Striking a defiant tone, President Joe Biden said Monday that he stands “squarely behind” his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan as he acknowledged the “gut-wrenching” images coming out of the country after the swift Taliban takeover of the government. Biden said he had to choose between sticking to a previously negotiated agreement to withdraw U.S. troops this year or sending thousands more service members back into Afghanistan to fight a “third decade” of war. Biden, sounding resolute in the face of withering criticism of his handling of the situation, said he chose the latter so as not to repeat past mistakes. He reiterated that he had no regrets. Not surprised. For those wondering how Afghanistan could fall so swiftly to the Taliban, the dozens of dispatches from a Congress-created watchdog group reflect it didn't: the meltdown was a slow-motion disaster years in the making. The Taliban have seized power in Afghanistan two weeks before the U.S. was set to complete its troop withdrawal after a costly two-decade war. "The simple question of whether the U.S. should stay or go was not simple at all. Now, President Joe Biden's determination to leave Afghanistan has resulted in a bigger mess than he bargained for," writes NPR's Domenico Montanaro. The insurgents stormed across the country, capturing all major cities in a matter of days, as Afghan security forces trained and equipped by the U.S. and its allies melted away. Here's a look at what happened and what comes next from the Associated Press.
How about a vote? Minnesota Republican Party Chair Jennifer Carnahan challenged other GOP leaders to hold a vote on her continued leadership status after a series of events that have roiled the party and could hamper it moving forward.
🎵 "Party Again!" Some good neighbors from the north dropped this reflection of the moment as they announced their current tour. Thanks, Tops! | 
