Gateway Reporter

Congressman Ben Cline marks the second anniversary of President Joe Biden's Afghanistan withdrawal by emphasizing the failure of the withdrawal, which led to the loss of 13 U.S. service members and reversed years of progress. He underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the contrast between the administration's portrayal of a "perfect" withdrawal and the actual consequences for veterans and the country.

"Two years ago today, Joe Biden’s failed withdrawal from Afghanistan led to the death of 13 U.S. service members, reversed two decades of progress, and gifted the Taliban taxpayer-funded weapons," Cline tweeted. "This was a slap in the face to all those who served, were wounded or paid the ultimate price. Biden’s 'perfect' withdrawal was anything but."

This echoes a statement he made in an April 2023 statement, characterizing Biden's blame deflection in the botched withdrawal as "inexcusable" and emblematic of a "feckless lack of leadership," according to a press release.

In August 2022, Cline criticized Biden's handling of Afghanistan, highlighting the botched withdrawal and the subsequent fall of Kabul, The Roanoke Times reported. He decried the lack of accountability for billions of dollars' worth of equipment given to the Taliban, the loss of 13 American servicemembers and the abandonment of Americans. Cline attributed the situation to Biden's feckless foreign policy, which he believed emboldened adversaries like Putin in their actions.

In August 2023, the Taliban marks its second anniversary of reclaiming power in Afghanistan, celebrating the "conquest of Kabul" that coincided with the withdrawal of American troops, Fox News reported. On Aug. 15, 2021, the Taliban took control of Kabul amid the collapse of the Afghan military and the departure of former president Ashraf Ghani. The group has declared a public holiday for the occasion and is anticipated to host parades and events to commemorate their takeover, with a Taliban spokesman praising the "great victory" achieved on the second anniversary of the conquest.

The United Nations Human Rights Office expressed concerns over the adverse impacts of the Taliban's rule on vulnerable and minority groups stating they are "the hardest hit," Fox News reported. The statement further highlighted that the Taliban has implemented "cruel and undignified punishments," including stoning, flogging and burying under a wall, which violates international human rights standards.