Harris campaign responds to Trump’s criticism of Afghanistan withdrawal
**Vice President Kamala Harris’ Campaign vs. Trump on Afghanistan: A Look Back**
The aftermath of the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan during President Biden’s first year in office has sparked a heated exchange between Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign and former President Donald Trump. The debate revolves around Trump’s 2020 deal with the Taliban and its impact on the current situation in Afghanistan.
On August 26, the three-year anniversary of the Abbey Gate suicide bombing attack outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul was marked with solemn remembrance for the 13 U.S. service members and about 170 Afghans who lost their lives. Trump, during a speech in Detroit, blamed both Harris and Mr. Biden for what he termed the “humiliation in Afghanistan.”
In response, Harris’ campaign is drawing attention to Trump’s past dealings with the Taliban, particularly his announcement and subsequent cancellation of a meeting at Camp David with Taliban leaders five years ago. The campaign asserts that Trump’s agreement with the Taliban left the Biden-Harris administration with no plans for a smooth withdrawal, resulting in a dangerous and costly situation.
The Criticism and Counterargument:
“Trump shamelessly attacks the vice president because he hopes he can trick the country into forgetting that his own actions put troops in harm’s way,” remarked Harris campaign national security spokesperson Morgan Finkelstein. Finkelstein emphasized the flawed nature of Trump’s deal with the Taliban, highlighting the risks it posed to U.S. troops and Afghanistan’s stability.
Trump’s initial meeting with the Taliban was canceled in 2019 after a U.S. soldier was killed in an attack. However, in February 2020, he signed an agreement with the Taliban to reduce the U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan, a move that critics like H.R. McMaster, Trump’s former national security adviser, described as a “surrender agreement.”
CBS News reached out to the Trump campaign for a response to the Harris campaign’s criticism, but as of now, no statement has been released.
The Context of the Kabul Airport Attack:
The tragic attack at the Kabul airport occurred amidst the Biden administration’s efforts to evacuate American soldiers and Afghan allies from Afghanistan. This evacuation was part of a broader goal shared by both Biden and Trump to end the prolonged war in Afghanistan. Currently, House Republicans are investigating the administration’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops.
While Biden criticized Trump’s deal with the Taliban, he ultimately upheld it, extending the withdrawal deadline to September 11, 2021, to prevent further escalations. Despite acknowledging his reservations about the agreement, Biden stressed the importance of honoring commitments made by the U.S. government.
An August 2021 CBS News poll revealed that a majority of respondents viewed the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan unfavorably, signaling a decline in Biden’s approval ratings since the operation began.
Trump’s Ongoing Criticism:
In recent weeks, Trump intensified his criticism of Biden and Harris, focusing on the debacle in Afghanistan. A visit to Arlington National Cemetery, intended for a wreath-laying ceremony, was marred by controversy over a campaign photographer’s presence, illustrating the ongoing tension surrounding the issue.
During a speech at the National Guard Association conference, Trump called for the resignation of Biden administration officials involved in the withdrawal, denouncing their perceived incompetence and the loss of American lives.
Despite the heightened scrutiny, Harris reiterated her support for Biden’s decision to end the war and paid tribute to the fallen service members, lauding their sacrifice for the nation.
Harris’ Position and Response:
Prior to becoming vice president, Harris had advocated for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, aligning with Biden’s commitment to end the conflict. She disclosed that she was the last person consulted by Biden before he finalized the decision to withdraw all remaining troops from the country.
During the evacuation crisis in August 2021, Harris emphasized the urgent need to evacuate American citizens and Afghan allies, prioritizing their safety amid escalating tensions.
She emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough analysis of the events leading to the withdrawal, acknowledging the need to learn from the missteps and challenges encountered during the operation.
As the discourse continues between the Harris campaign and Trump, the political landscape remains charged with disagreements over the handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Both sides are adamant in their assessments of the situation, underscoring the complexity and repercussions of key decisions made by past and present administrations.
