Mon Sep 09 14:50:56 UTC 2024: ## House Republicans Blame Biden for Afghanistan Withdrawal in Scathing Report
WASHINGTON (AP) – A new report released by House Republicans on Sunday lays blame for the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan squarely on President Joe Biden’s administration, while minimizing former President Donald Trump’s role in the disastrous end to the longest war in American history.
The report, a culmination of an 18-month investigation by the House Foreign Affairs Committee, details the final months of military and civilian failures, which the Republicans claim allowed the Taliban to swiftly conquer Afghanistan even before the last U.S. officials left on August 30, 2021. The chaotic exit left behind numerous American citizens, Afghan allies, and civilians at risk from the Taliban.
While previous investigations have highlighted systemic failures across multiple administrations, the Republican report focuses heavily on Biden’s handling of the withdrawal, stating that his administration “had the information and opportunity to take necessary steps to plan for the inevitable collapse of the Afghan government” and ensure safe evacuations.
The report’s release comes ahead of the presidential election and has been met with criticism from the White House and House Democrats, who argue that it is politically motivated and ignores Trump’s role in the withdrawal process, particularly his 2020 deal with the Taliban to withdraw all American troops.
The report cites testimony from various officials, including former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and former U.S. Central Command Gen. Frank McKenzie, who highlight the administration’s perceived reliance on military and civilian leaders on the ground, who were ultimately “severely limited” in their ability to influence decision-making.
The White House has refuted these claims, stating that the administration sought input from officials in Kabul and across the U.S. government.
The report also points to the vulnerability of U.S. embassy staff in Kabul as the Biden administration planned its exit, alleging that the administration insisted on maintaining a large diplomatic footprint despite security concerns.
While the report faults former Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for the Trump administration’s negotiations with the Taliban, it absolves Trump of responsibility for the withdrawal process, attributing his actions to recommendations from American military leaders.
The report’s release is likely to further fuel the ongoing debate over the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, particularly as the 2024 presidential election draws near.
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