U.S. President Defends Decision To Pull Out Of Afghanistan

The US President says his country's mission in Afghanistan was never meant to have been nation-building.

In an address last night, Joe Biden said he "stands squarely" behind his decision to withdraw after 20 years of conflict.
He acknowledged the Afghan government collapsed quicker than expected, but accused local leaders of 'giving up'.
Meanwhile up to 150 humanitarian visas are being made available by government for Afghans, under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.
The visas will mean they won't have to enter the direct provision system upon arriving here.
These 150 are in addition to 45 visas which were approved in recent days.