Joe Biden wants to rescind designation of Afghanistan as major non-NATO ally
July 7, 2022, 10:19 am

Joe Biden wants to rescind designation of Afghanistan as major non-NATO ally

Afghanistan flag

U.S. President Joe Biden notified Congress on Wednesday (July 6) of his intent to officially rescind Afghanistan's designation as a major non-NATO ally.

Biden said in a letter to the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi: "In accordance with section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2321k), I am providing notice of my intent to rescind the designation of Afghanistan as a Major Non‑NATO Ally."

In July 2012, the U.S. named Afghanistan a major non-NATO ally, which made it easier for Kabul to receive defense equipment from Washington.

The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan after taking Kabul on Aug. 15, 2021, forcing President Ashraf Ghani and other top officials to leave the country.

The unexpected power grab triggered a rush to flee Afghanistan, including civilians who assisted foreign soldiers or groups and feared the Taliban's retribution.

Joe Biden notified Congress on Wednesday (July 6) of his intent to officially rescind Afghanistan's designation as a major non-NATO ally

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 member states – 28 European and two North American.

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The NATO was established in the aftermath of World War II. The organization implements the North Atlantic Treaty, which was signed in Washington, D.C., on 4 April 1949.

NATO is a system of collective security: its independent member states agree to defend each other against attacks by third parties.

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