As the Taliban rapidly establishes its rule over Afghanistan, President Joe Biden has recommitted his administration to withdrawing U.S. troops. Biden doubled down on his withdrawal plan at a White House press conference on Aug. 16. He spoke for fewer than 20 minutes and did not take questions from reporters, delivering instead a similar message to what he’s been saying since taking office in January. “How many more generations of America’s daughters and sons would you have me send to fight Afghanistan’s civil war when Afghan troops will not? How many more lives, American lives, is it worth?” Biden said. “I’m clear on my answer: I will not repeat the mistakes we’ve made in the past—the mistake of staying and fighting indefinitely.” Biden did admit that the U.S.-backed government in Afghanistan has collapsed more quickly than expected, backtracking on statements he made last month about having “trust” in the Afghan …