The Biden – Harris’ withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan in August 2021 was poorly planned and woefully executed having a series of significant failures that characterized the operation including the abandonment of military hardware valued at billions of dollars, the leaving behind of American citizens, and the failure to adequately protect Afghan allies who had collaborated with U.S. forces during the two-decade-long conflict.
This embarrassing failure consequently left many individuals in precarious and dangerous circumstances, making them vulnerable to potential retribution from the Taliban.
On military assets, the US Department of Defense revealed that the Taliban took possession of over $7 billion worth of military equipment after the withdrawal, including $923.3 million worth of aircraft, $298 million worth of munitions, and over 40,000 of the 96,000 military vehicles given to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). Biden’s decision therefore not only undermines two decades of U.S. military investment but also poses a tangible risk of these resources being repurposed for use against American interests and allies.
Most prominently, however, is the loss of 13 courageous service personnel who were tragically slain by a suicide bomber during the botched evacuation. Their unnecessary deaths serve as a stark and tragic reminder of the value of strong American leadership which President Trump represents, as well as what America stands to lose in its absence especially as the presidential election draws close.
The continued endorsement of these strategies by Vice President Kamala Harris who was a central member of the National Security Decision-making Team raises further questions about her commitment to rectifying past mistakes even as she auditions to be the next commander in chief.
Collectively, these factors illustrate a troubling narrative of incompetence that could have long-lasting effects on U.S. credibility and its strategic posture in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape with overarching concerns and ramifications for national and global security which true Americans must be mindful of in casting their votes come November 2024.