Harris Defends Biden’s Afghanistan Withdrawal Amid Trump’s Criticism

Vice President Kamala Harris expressed strong support for President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan. This statement comes as the nation reflects on the chaotic exit that occurred three years ago, during which 13 American service members were killed in a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport on August 26, 2021.

In her recent remarks, Harris underscored the necessity of ending what has been described as America’s longest war. She characterized Biden’s decision as courageous and right, stating, “As I have said, President Biden made the courageous and right decision to end America’s longest war.” Further, she asserted that despite the difficulties encountered during the withdrawal, the administration has continued to effectively combat terrorism without deploying combat troops, having successfully targeted leaders of groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS.

Harris emphasized her commitment to countering terrorist threats, ensuring the safety of the American people, and protecting the homeland. This statement comes amid ongoing criticism from former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly targeted Harris over the turmoil surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal.

Trump recently took to his platform to express his discontent, stating, “Three years ago, Kamala’s and Biden’s incompetence left 13 dead warriors, hundreds of civilians killed and grievously wounded, and $85 billion worth of the finest military equipment on the planet abandoned to the Taliban.” Attributed to the chaotic exit, the Taliban gained access to an estimated $7 billion in military hardware that had been supplied to the Afghan National Army.

During the withdrawal discussions, Harris was closely involved, describing herself as the last person in the room when Biden made the final decision to move forward with the withdrawal plans initiated during Trump’s administration. A significant video call at Camp David, where Biden discussed the plans with national security aides, highlighted her involvement, as she was one of the officials present.

Trump and his campaign have declared the withdrawal as one of the gravest failures in U.S. foreign policy history, asserting that no one has been held accountable for the swift Taliban takeover that followed. He referred to the incident as “the most embarrassing moment in the history” of the country, attacking Harris for previously praising the decisions made during the withdrawal process.

On Monday, Trump participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, while Biden was on vacation in Delaware and Harris consulted with her advisers.

Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate, also criticized the Biden-Harris administration during a press call with families of the deceased soldiers, expressing frustration over the lack of accountability for the administration. He stated, “Nobody expects perfection from our government, but we do expect accountability. The fact that Kamala Harris can’t even bring herself today to offer any real answer for what happened… is insulting to the families who gave their loved ones in service of this country.”

The Biden administration acknowledged last April that it should have escalated troop evacuations once the withdrawal began and admitted its intelligence assessments were incorrect. However, it placed some blame on Trump’s administration, which negotiated a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban without collaborative discussions with U.S. allies or the Afghan government.

In a statement to remember the thirteen American service members who lost their lives, Biden stressed the capability of the U.S. to conduct counterterrorism efforts from a distance. He honored the valiant service of those who perished, stating, “They embodied the very best of who we are as a nation: brave, committed, selfless.”

The Vice President’s office opted not to respond directly to Trump’s criticisms, directing inquiries to her campaign. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby acknowledged that leaders could observe the anniversary in various ways, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to support the families of the fallen.

The aftermath of the withdrawal has resulted in a notable decline in Biden’s national popularity; his favorability ratings have struggled to recover. With upcoming debates, including one on September 10, it’s anticipated that Trump will likely raise the issue of the Afghanistan withdrawal once again, placing Harris in a challenging position.

Harris faces growing pressure to articulate a comprehensive policy agenda and to distinguish her stance from Biden’s on various matters. While there’s been silence on foreign policy since her acceptance speech, advisers maintain she isn’t restricted from expressing differing views. However, experts suggest it might be politically wiser for her to align with the administration’s stance on this contentious issue.

In conclusion, the anniversary of the Afghanistan withdrawal continues to fuel political debate, with Harris defending the administration’s decisions amid significant criticism from Trump and others. As discussions evolve, so too will the impact of these events on the 2024 electoral landscape.

Source: USA Today