Republicans Seek to Remind R.N.C. Viewers About Deadly Afghanistan Withdrawal
New York TimesJUL 21 2024
Jerry Dunleavy, a writer taking part in the Republican House Foreign Affairs Committee probe into the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, has resigned from the investigation, referring to the probe as a "sham" in a post on social media.
While saying that the investigation has been fruitful in some regards, Dunleavy claims that the committee has failed to make Pres. Biden and senior military and White House officials "answer for the horrors which unfolded."
Regarding 13 US service members and 170 Afghan civilians killed by an ISIS-K suicide attack in Kabul during the withdrawal, Dunleavy accused Chairman Michael McCaul of failing to "pursue answers" in the case. Dunleavy has previously claimed that US intelligence was aware of the presence of the ISIS-K members at the hotel.Regarding 13 US service members and 170 Afghan civilians killed by an ISIS-K suicide attack in Kabul during the withdrawal, Dunleavy accused Chairman Michael McCaul of failing to "pursue answers" in the case. Dunleavy has previously claimed that US intelligence was aware of the presence of the ISIS-K members at the hotel where the attack took place.
This sudden departure confirms what many have already feared: the House committee into Afghanistan is working on a whitewash, and has failed to hold those in power accountable. The withdrawal from Afghanistan was the nadir of the Biden administration, and the president holds personal responsibility for the lives lost and damage caused. The incompetence on display from upper brass must be fully exposed.
The Republicans are chasing shadows in the Afghanistan probe, as the hawkish GOP that got us into Afghanistan blames everyone but themselves for the rushed departure. The US could not afford to be stuck in a forever war in Afghanistan, and there were no other options to stem the loss of lives and resources than pulling the plug. The GOP is clearly in disarray, and the committee's probe lacks seriousness and focus.