Kamala Harris' Role in Botched Afghanistan Withdrawal Remains Uncertain

Despite public claims that she was the "last person in the room" with President Biden before he made the decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, Vice President Kamala Harris's influence on the chaotic mission remains unclear.

The botched withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021 has been a subject of intense scrutiny and criticism. Vice President Kamala Harris has faced questions about her role in the decision-making process, but her exact influence remains unclear.

According to a Washington Post report, officials have stated that Harris did not push for policy changes but raised important questions during interagency meetings leading up to the withdrawal. One senior military official described her as acting "like a district attorney" in her inquiries, asking detailed questions but not providing much insight into her own views.

Kamala Harris' Role in Botched Afghanistan Withdrawal Remains Uncertain

However, another former military official who participated in the deliberations claimed that Harris did not play a significant role during National Security Council meetings. The official acknowledged that the vice president could have counseled Biden privately outside of those briefings.

Harris's aide maintained that she asked "probing questions" and fully supported Biden's decision to end the war in Afghanistan. She added that they would not disclose Harris's private counsel to the president.

Kamala Harris' Role in Botched Afghanistan Withdrawal Remains Uncertain

In 2021, Harris had confirmed to CNN that she was the "last person in the room" with Biden before he made the withdrawal decision. She had also expressed her concerns about ensuring Afghanistan's stability and protecting gains made for Afghan women.

Gold Star families of U.S. military members killed in Afghanistan during the withdrawal have condemned Biden's handling of the mission. Former President Trump and other Republicans have also criticized the withdrawal, particularly Biden's omission of the 13 U.S. service members who died at Abbey Gate.

Kamala Harris' Role in Botched Afghanistan Withdrawal Remains Uncertain

Despite the criticism directed at Biden, Harris has not faced similar scrutiny for her role in the withdrawal. Her campaign and the vice president's office have declined to comment on the matter.

The botched Afghanistan withdrawal has raised questions about Harris's influence on foreign policy decisions. While it is clear that she was present during deliberations, the extent to which her questions and concerns shaped the outcome of the withdrawal remains unknown.

Kamala Harris' Role in Botched Afghanistan Withdrawal Remains Uncertain