Illinois’ two U.S. Senators share their views on the Taliban in Afghanistan

Posted on August 18, 2021
U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth appeared in Peoria and Springfield on the eve of Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair. (Twitter/Governor JB Pritzker)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Neither of Illinois’ two U.S. senators is blaming President Biden for the abrupt turn of events in Afghanistan.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) notes U.S. involvement started in the aftermath of 9/11. “Staying beyond that purpose has cost us dearly as a nation. But I’m not going to hold Joe Biden responsible for the Afghan security forces disappearing in the battle. We cannot and should not take their place.”

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) agrees. “I don’t think the discussion here should be focused on after-action review. We need to be focused on getting our troops out of there. Getting American civilians who were there out of there. Getting the Afghani forces who worked with us out of there. You know, we made a promise to those men and women who put themselves in harm’s way.”

The two appeared in Peoria and Springfield on the eve of Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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