Joe Biden defends US pull-out from Afghanstan, gives strong message to ISIS-K

"This decision about Afghanistan is not just about Afghanistan.  It’s about ending an era of major military operations to remake other countries," Biden said.

"And let me be clear: We will continue to support the Afghan people through diplomacy, international influence, and humanitarian aid.  We’ll continue to push for regional diplomacy and engagement to prevent violence and instability.  We’ll continue to speak out for basic rights of the Afghan people, especially women and girls, as we speak out for women and girls all around the globe.  And I’ve been clear that human rights will be the center of our foreign policy," he said.

He said  the war in Afghanistan is now over.

"After 20 years of war in Afghanistan, I refused to send another generation of America’s sons and daughters to fight a war that should have ended long ago," the President said,

He said: "After more than $2 trillion spent in Afghanistan — a cost that researchers at Brown University estimated would be over $300 million a day for 20 years in Afghanistan — for two decades — yes, the American people should hear this: $300 million a day for two decades."

He said: "There’s nothing low-grade or low-risk or low-cost about any war.  It’s time to end the war in Afghanistan."

He praised the troops for organising an airlift of more than 120,000 people who wanted to leave Afghanistan as Taliban overran the nation.

On Aug 15, Taliban took control over Afghanistan after entering Kabul city.

Meanwhile, giving a strong message to terror outfit Islamic State, he said: "We are not done with you yet."

Over 150 people died in blasts, which ISIS-K claimed to have taken responsibility for, that hit close to the Kabul airport.

Meanwhile, speaking about China, he said: " We’re engaged in a serious competition with China.  We’re dealing with the challenges on multiple fronts with Russia.  We’re confronted with cyberattacks and nuclear proliferation."