The newly published report from Texas Rep. Mike McCaul, the Republican leader of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, offers a scathing review of the Biden-Harris administration’s mishandling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
Spanning 600 pages, this comprehensive document meticulously examines the military’s flawed exit in 2021, uncovering a concerning degree of mismanagement that casts doubt on the administration’s capabilities and intentions.
Is this just another example of “Politics as Usual,” or is there something more sinister at play?
The report connects President Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal to his previous experiences as a senator during the Vietnam War, indicating a pattern of indifferent foreign policy and a willingness to abandon important allies.
It suggests that this administration is not only incompetent but also dangerously irresponsible.
The report disputes Biden’s assertion that he was constrained by the Doha agreement, arguing that he could have taken a different course of action.
It reveals that state officials lacked a viable plan to evacuate Americans and allies while troops were still present to ensure their safety.
“pattern of callous foreign policy positions and readiness to abandon strategic partners” – Texas Rep. Mike McCaul
The findings are damning. NATO allies expressed their vehement opposition to the U.S. withdrawal, with the British Chief of the Defense staff warning that “withdrawal under these circumstances would be perceived as a strategic victory for the Taliban.”
However, the Biden administration opted to disregard these warnings and retained Zalmay Khalilzad, a Trump appointee, as a special representative to Afghanistan. This decision indicated support for the agreement that marginalized the Afghan government, exposing them to the resurgence of the Taliban.
Col. Seth Krummrich, chief of staff for Special Operations Command, revealed the administration’s stubbornness: “The president decided we’re going to leave, and he’s not listening to anybody.”
This refusal to heed advice from military leaders and intelligence officials raises the question: was this a calculated decision, or sheer incompetence?
“withdrawal under these circumstances would be perceived as a strategic victory for the Taliban.” – British Chief of the Defense staff
The report underscores the State Department’s inaction in response to unmistakable indicators of the Taliban’s increasing influence. Rather than reducing its embassy presence, the State Department expanded it, revealing a staggering lack of foresight.
Brian McKeon, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, infamously stated, “we at the State Department have a much higher risk tolerance than you guys,” a comment that Gen. Austin Miler, the longest-serving commander in Afghanistan, countered with a stark observation of “a lack of understanding of the risk.”
“The president decided we’re going to leave, and he’s not listening to anybody.” – Col. Seth Krummrich
As the situation deteriorated, former Afghanistan Ambassador Ross Wilson was “comfortable” delaying the noncombatant evacuation operation (NEO) until the Taliban had already taken control. Gen. Frank McKenzie described this as the “fatal flaw that created what happened in August.”
The resulting disorder left numerous Americans and their allies stranded, as the U.S. government offered minimal direction on how to evacuate. The only instruction provided was to “refrain from going to the airport until you receive an email notifying you of available departure options.”
“immaterial” – Ned Price
The report depicts a distressing portrayal of the last days in Kabul, with Consul General Jim DeHart characterizing the situation as “apocalyptic.”
Despite U.S. intelligence monitoring various threats as the Taliban advanced, the administration did not take decisive action. CENTCOM records indicated that the ISIS-K terror cell behind the Abbey Gate bombing had “set up a base of operations six kilometers to the west” of the airport, but no preemptive strikes were carried out.
“apocalyptic.” – Jim DeHart
The repercussions of this withdrawal are immense in the long run. The Taliban have not only obtained $7 billion worth of abandoned U.S. weapons but also gained access to up to $57 million in U.S. funds that were originally designated for the Afghan government.
Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s interior minister, has subsequently stated that their relations with the U.S. are inconsequential to their decision-making processes.
Meanwhile, a NATO report indicates that the Taliban is using U.S. military biometric devices to hunt down former Afghan allies, with “nearly 500 former government officials and members of the Afghan security forces were killed or forcibly disappeared.”
“nearly 500 former government officials and members of the Afghan security forces were killed or forcibly disappeared.” – NATO report
The toll on human lives is immense, with accounts of 118 girls being trafficked as child brides following the regime change, along with families desperately hoping for potential buyers.
The Department of Homeland Security has uncovered “over 400 individuals from Central Asia who unlawfully entered the U.S. via the southern border with the assistance of an ISIS-linked smuggling ring,” heightening apprehensions about national security.
“118 girls have been sold as child brides since the takeover and 116 families are waiting for a buyer.” – Report
The Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal is not just a failure; it is a glaring example of political negligence that has left countless lives in jeopardy. As we approach the 2024 election, one must ask: will the American people hold this administration accountable for its catastrophic decisions? The stakes have never been higher.
