Lindsey Graham Says Terrorists Believe They 'Beat' U.S., Amid Biden Removing Afghanistan Troops

Senator Lindsey Graham on Wednesday criticized President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw troops in Afghanistan, saying the move will embolden militant groups and ultimately put "the world at risk."

"Afghanistan is worse than Iraq," the South Carolina Republican said. "This is where the war started, and every terrorist camp in the world is on steroids today because in their world they beat us. In their world, they drove us out."

Graham made the remarks during a press conference Wednesday afternoon, shortly after Biden formally announced his decision to start removing U.S. forces from the Middle Eastern nation on May 1.

The military exit, Biden said, will be completed by the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

"We went to Afghanistan because of a horrific attack that happened 20 years ago. That cannot explain why we should remain there in 2021," Biden said in a speech delivered from the White House.

The president argued that it is time to focus on other priorities abroad, such as global competition from China and defeating the coronavirus pandemic—as well as improving global health communication to prepare for any future pandemics.

Biden also said that the troop withdrawal doesn't mean the administration will "take our eye off the terrorist threat" in Afghanistan or other nations.

"In my direction, my team is refining our national strategy to monitor and disrupt significant threats anywhere where they may arise, whether in Africa, Europe, Middle East and elsewhere," he said.

Lawmakers appear split on Biden's proposal. Some expressed concern it will endanger the U.S. and encourage militant groups, while others are celebrating an end to the so-called Forever War.

Graham said he was "heartbroken" that Biden chose the "highest risk option available." The senator said he would urge the president to keep a military presence in Afghanistan until certain peace conditions are met.

"So what I would advise the Biden administration, as you continue to work with the [United Nations] and others to end the war, that you reinforce to the Taliban that there are conditions that matter to us—that an international peacekeeping force will be present, because the world is at risk here," he said.

Graham added, "I'd like the world to know, our NATO allies, that you're at risk as much as we are."

Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment on Graham's remarks but did not receive a response before publication.