According to a new congressional report, President Joe Biden's determination to withdraw from Afghanistan led him to disregard military advice, NATO objections, and Afghan government pleas.
New York Post reported that the House Foreign Affairs Committee's investigation revealed that the administration was focused on political optics rather than strategic planning.
The roughly 350-page report, released on September 8, 2024, asserts that Biden prioritized his personal legacy over national security interests. It claims the administration consistently misled the public to garner support for a swift end to the 20-year war, regardless of potential consequences.
Biden's Unwavering Stance on Withdrawal
The report suggests that Biden was resolute in his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, even in the face of widespread opposition. This stance was reportedly consistent with his long-standing distrust of military experts and advisors, dating back to his time as a senator and vice president.
According to the investigation, nearly every military official advised against a complete withdrawal. This included the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Commander of U.S. Central Command, and other high-ranking officials.
The administration's determination to withdraw also led to the dismissal of concerns from NATO allies who had deployed forces to Afghanistan in support of the U.S. mission.
Disregard for Doha Agreement Terms
While the Trump administration had previously negotiated the Doha Agreement with the Afghan government and the Taliban, the report claims that Biden proceeded with little regard for its terms. The agreement, made in 2020, outlined conditions for U.S. troop withdrawal based on Taliban compliance with certain obligations.
However, the investigation found that the administration considered the Taliban's adherence to the agreement "immaterial" to their decision to withdraw. This contradicted public statements made by State Department officials about reviewing Taliban compliance.
The report states:
The Taliban were in breach of key elements of the Doha Agreement, [though] the Biden-Harris administration claimed to be assessing the Taliban's compliance therewith. In reality, the conditions were entirely irrelevant to them.
Lack of Preparation and Hasty Evacuation
The report criticizes the administration for failing to adequately plan for the withdrawal, even for predictable scenarios. One striking example is the delayed order for a noncombatant evacuation operation (NEO), which was not officially issued until August 16, 2021, a day after Kabul fell to the Taliban.
This lack of preparation had significant consequences for both Americans and allies in Afghanistan, as well as U.S. personnel on the ground. The report suggests that concerns about these issues were sidelined in favor of maintaining a certain public image.
According to the investigation, U.S. service members and foreign service officers were directed to prioritize evacuating as many people as possible, regardless of the potential threat to their lives.
Ongoing Investigation and Political Implications
Despite the release of this extensive report, the House Foreign Affairs Committee's work on the Afghanistan withdrawal is far from complete. Chairman Michael McCaul indicated that there are still unanswered questions regarding the Department of Defense's actions on the ground.
The report's release timing, just days before Vice President Kamala Harris's televised debate with former President Trump, has drawn criticism from some quarters. However, Chairman McCaul defended the timeline, citing prolonged obstruction and the need for multiple subpoenas to gather information.
The investigation's findings paint a picture of an administration determined to end the war in Afghanistan, even at the cost of disregarding expert advice, international concerns, and potential risks. It raises questions about the decision-making process leading up to the chaotic withdrawal and its long-term implications for U.S. foreign policy. The report's release is likely to fuel ongoing debates about the handling of the Afghanistan exit and its impact on America's global standing.
