The aftermath of the chaotic Afghan exit as described by ex-US generals

The testimony of two retired US generals who oversaw the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 has shed light on the chaotic final days of the war. Both Mark Milley, former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, and Kenneth McKenzie, former US Central Command head, testified before Congress. The blame game ensued, with Republicans holding President Joe Biden responsible and Democrats pointing fingers at the Trump administration’s Taliban deal. However, the retired generals refused to solely blame the presidential contenders, emphasizing that both administrations had a role in the disastrous withdrawal. Mr. Milley highlighted the “fundamental flaw” of the US exit, which he attributed to the timing of the Biden administration’s decision to order a civilian evacuation – it was too slow and too late. He warned that without a minimum force of 2,500 troops on the ground, the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban’s control was inevitable. This strategic failure was further exacerbated by President Ashraf Ghani’s decision to flee the country, leading to the ultimate collapse. Both generals agreed that the US should review the entire 20-year history of the conflict and acknowledged that remaining in Afghanistan would have endangered American troops, as intelligence reports suggested a potential rekindling of hostilities with the Taliban. They expressed animosity towards the Taliban, characterizing the group as a terrorist organization. The hearing also addressed the issue of evacuating American civilians, with criticism directed at the US State Department for not acting sooner. Still, there was bipartisan news as agreement was reached to grant an additional 12,000 special immigrant visas for Afghan allies. The chaotic withdrawal has marred the international image of President Biden, with Republicans weaponizing the failed exit for political gain. The blame game between administrations continues, but a government watchdog found fault on both sides for the disastrous withdrawal. Now, as the Taliban regains power in Afghanistan, the focus shifts to the future of the country and the implications for its people.