Biden lightning rod for criticism as Taliban advance on Afghan capital

The Taliban militant group rapidly stack up on their huge gains against the Afghan government, advancing on the capital Kabul as criticism mounts against US President Joe Biden for leaving the beleaguered country on its own at a time it could use the slightest bit of help.

On Saturday, the group overran key northern city Mazar-i-Sharif, forcing the army to lay down its arms and warlords Abdul Rashid Dostum and Ata Mohammad Noor to flee to safety, The Associated Press reported.

Abas Ebrahimzada, a lawmaker from the Balkh province, where the city is located, confirmed the development.

Noor blamed the government for his defeat, adding he and Dostum “are in a safe place now.”

The city is Afghanistan’s fourth-largest. Its fall comes hot on the heels of the Taliban’s seizing Herat and Kandahar, the country’s second- and third-largest cities.

The group was toppled by the United States’ 2001 invasion of the country. It, however, rallied and restored its presence over the largest part of the country’s soil.

Republican lawmakers condemn Biden over Afghanistan situation

Republican members of the US Congress have slammed President Joe Biden over withdrawing troops from Afghanistan.

Over the past months, it has gone on an exceptionally brutal and indiscriminate campaign, which bespeaks its intention to restore its infamous grip over the entire country.

Simultaneously, Biden announced a timeline for the American troops’ withdrawal, saying he was determined to end his country’s longest war. 

American presidents usually come up with serious-sounding promises of taking the troops out either in the run-up to the US’s presidential campaigns or towards the end of their tenure to strengthen their chances of a fresh victory.

Citing the trend, observers say the timing of Biden’s move has, therefore, come off as awkward, voicing speculations that he could be taking the measure with a reason other than just returning the forces back home.

Although, the Taliban had, at the onset of their offensive, alleged that they did not seek to overthrow the central government in Kabul, they have been tightening the noose around the city over the past weeks.

Also on Saturday, they captured all of Logar province, just south of Kabul, said Hoda Ahmadi, a lawmaker from the province. She said the militants had also reached the Char Asyab district, only 11 kilometres (seven miles) south of the capital.

Later, they took over Mihterlam, the capital of the Laghman Province, northeast of Kabul, said Zefon Safi, another lawmaker.

According to reports, the militants are now in control of well over the majority of the country’s 34 provinces.

Strangely enough, observers still note, some two decades of so-called American training of the Afghan government has not done anything towards even slowing down its crumbling defenses in the face of the onslaught.

Republican members of the US Congress have slammed Biden over the pullout.

Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) said in an op-ed published on Fox News’ website that the situation in Afghanistan was “heartbreaking and infuriating.”

“The Taliban are barreling towards seizing control of the country and could very well take Kabul…,” he wrote.

Hawkish Republican Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas censured Biden on Friday over Afghanistan and critical race theory, a favorite issue of conservatives.

“It’s clear President Biden and his Department of Defense have been more concerned with critical race theory and other woke policies than planning an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan,” Cotton tweeted.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk