KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021 will forever be etched in my mind as one of the most tragic and poorly managed operations I have witnessed in my career. Having served in Military Intelligence, I’ve seen my share of chaos, but nothing quite prepared me for the events that unfolded under President Joe Biden’s administration.
The most heart-wrenching outcome of the Afghanistan withdrawal was the loss of 13 U.S. service members in a terrorist attack at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport. These brave men and women were in the process of evacuating American citizens and Afghan allies when a suicide bomber from ISIS-K detonated an explosive device, killing them and over 170 Afghan civilians. I remember the pit in my stomach when the news broke. Relying on the Taliban for security at the airport, a group with a history of violence against Americans, was a glaring and fatal error. It was a decision that left me questioning the logic and foresight of those in command.
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The families of these fallen heroes were left devastated and angry, and I felt their pain deeply. The administration’s decision to trust the Taliban with the security of American troops and Afghan allies at such a crucial juncture was not only naive but grossly irresponsible. The chaotic scenes at the Kabul airport, with desperate Afghans clinging to aircraft and the subsequent suicide bombing, underscored the disorderly nature of the withdrawal. Watching those scenes, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of betrayal for the service members who had given so much.
One of the most criticized decisions, and one that baffled me and many of my colleagues, was the closure of Bagram Airbase, the largest U.S. military installation in Afghanistan, just 30 days before the final withdrawal. Bagram was strategically important for its logistical capabilities and as a hub for intelligence operations. Abandoning this key asset not only reduced our operational capacity but also sent a message of retreat, emboldening the Taliban. The decision to close Bagram, which had long been the epicenter of U.S. military operations in the region, seemed incomprehensible. The base was not only a symbol of American strength but also a critical asset for conducting operations against terrorist groups.
Using Kabul airport, known for its vulnerability to terrorist attacks, as the primary exit point for the withdrawal was a critical mistake. This choice created a perilous situation for both U.S. troops and Afghan civilians. The airport became a scene of chaos, desperation, and tragedy, with thousands of people trying to flee the Taliban’s swift takeover of the country. The images of people clinging to the sides of departing aircraft are forever burned into my memory. The sheer desperation and fear were palpable.
As the Taliban rapidly advanced from the north and south, surrounding key cities and provinces, the Biden administration appeared oblivious to the warning signs. Afghan forces, demoralized and outmatched, began surrendering in large numbers or fleeing to neighboring countries like Tajikistan. The administration’s failure to anticipate or respond to these developments showcased a significant lapse in intelligence and strategic planning. It was as if we were watching a slow-motion disaster unfold, powerless to stop it due to the decisions made at the highest levels.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump brokered a deal with the Taliban in February 2020, which included a conditional ceasefire. This agreement resulted in a significant reduction in violence and the preservation of American lives for over a year. Trump’s deal, while controversial, was at least a structured plan that involved conditional steps towards a peaceful transition. During that time, we saw a semblance of stability, and I remember feeling cautiously optimistic that perhaps we could exit Afghanistan without the catastrophic consequences that later materialized.
The debacle has sparked outrage among Gold Star families, who have felt deeply disrespected by the Biden administration’s handling of the situation. Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, now an MSNBC host, added fuel to the fire with dismissive remarks about President Biden’s watch-checking during the dignified transfer of the fallen service members. Her comments, which attempted to downplay and rewrite the event, have been met with fierce criticism. I was appalled when I heard Psaki’s remarks. It felt like a slap in the face to those families who had lost so much.
Darin Hoover, father of the late SSgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, criticized Psaki for trying to “make money off of our kids’ backs and rewrite history.” Gold Star father Steve Nikoui, who lost his son Marine Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui, accused the Biden administration of lying and manipulating facts to protect their narrative. These families’ pain and anger are a direct result of the administration’s failures and insensitivity. Watching these families speak out, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of shame for how our leaders had handled this situation.
Psaki’s book, “Say More,” claimed that President Biden only looked at his watch after the ceremony honoring the fallen heroes had ended. However, this narrative was contradicted by pictures and firsthand accounts from Gold Star families. Following backlash, Psaki promised to remove the controversial passage from future editions of her book. Yet, the damage was already done, with many seeing her actions as a blatant attempt to rewrite history for political gain. The lack of accountability and the attempts to reshape the narrative were deeply troubling.
The repercussions of the Afghanistan withdrawal continue to haunt the Biden administration. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) highlighted ongoing efforts to secure justice for Gold Star families and assist Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders left behind. The administration’s inability to address these lingering issues further underscores the withdrawal’s catastrophic nature. We are still dealing with the fallout, trying to clean up the mess left behind by hasty and ill-conceived decisions.
Mark Schmitz, another Gold Star father, described Psaki’s book as “politically motivated” and “unforgivable.” His call for Psaki’s resignation and consideration of legal action reflects the deep wounds and mistrust that have yet to heal. Schmitz’s words resonated with me, highlighting the ongoing pain and the sense of betrayal felt by those who lost loved ones.
The Afghanistan withdrawal under President Joe Biden was a failure of epic proportions. The ill-conceived decisions, lack of foresight, and insensitivity towards those who sacrificed the most have left an indelible mark on American history. As the nation reflects on this tragedy, it is clear that the administration’s actions were not just a strategic failure but a profound betrayal of trust. The scars from this debacle will remain for years to come, a constant reminder of the cost of poor leadership and the ultimate price paid by our service members.
“The Don’t Unfriend Me Show” explores a broad range of political themes, from satire to serious topics, with Matt Speer, a Navy Intel veteran, husband, and father, leading the show. Matt shares his views to stimulate constructive discussions. The show aims to provide a balanced perspective on complex issues, welcoming participants of all political affiliations to share their unique viewpoints.
@ Matt Speer….The white print is much easier to read. Yesterday the Black print was too difficult for me to read. Only a Devout Democrat can be loyal to the party during this administration !
huh?
Pedo Joe had no plan for getting troops from Afghanistan which why everything went WRONG. Pedo Joe has and had only one plan after he was CHEATED in Office. That being undo every good thing President Trump did. Now that he has done that he has NOTHING for the time after he DESTROYED all of President Trump’s great work. That is why so many businesses are either closing places or going bankrupt.
I have often wondered why Bagram was shut down first when it should have been the epicenter of the evacuation for civilians, afghans that had helped us, military equipment and lastly the soldiers. Its location could easily be guarded, however its close proximity to China gave the US an excellent base from which to carry out possible future military operations. I have often speculated that China Joe was being pushed by that adversary to close Bagram ASAP.
Biden is controlled by the bath house Muslim, FOREIGN student Obama and Biden who has NEVER done anything FOR this country is a mentally deficit figure head for the “community organizer’s” third term. Obama along with Soros, the American hating Nazi care nothing for this country and would love nothing more than it to fall into the hands of countries such as China or Iran. That’s how much they truly hate America and its citizens. They do not believe that any populace should be in charge of a country and its governmental heads. They would prefer if America would become like the old world Rome when the dictator rules and the populace were serfs working for the figure heads, such as the Iranians and the Chinese populace are doing now. Merely serfs, slaves to those in power. It is my belief that is why the “covid” rules were enacted, just to see how far a government could push the citizens and to see how the majority of the citizens fell into their agenda. Biden is a traitor to this country, Obama isn’t because he is NOT an American citizen, never has been, fake birth certificate, and Soros became a citizen when he came to this country from Germany where he helped Nazis kill and rampage. But even though Obama isn’t a true citizen, doesn’t mean he can’t be executed for the terrorist that he is along with Soros, the war criminal, and Biden for his failing his oath. My heart goes out to the Gold Star families and I pray that they will receive justice for the loss of their loved ones. May their sons and daughters rest in peace.