Reflecting on the Afghanistan Withdrawal: A Somber Fourth Anniversary

August marks a rather stark fourth anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan—a moment that many would agree was quite tragic. On August 15, 2021, the capital, Kabul, fell to the Taliban. Then, just over a week later, a harrowing event unfolded at Abbey Gate, claiming the lives of thirteen soldiers. By the end of that month, the last American troops were seen boarding the C-17, marking a definitive closure to the U.S. presence there. For many, it stands out as a low point in America’s global standing, much like the withdrawal from Vietnam left its mark two generations ago.

The events in August 2021 are often cited as one of the biggest operational failures the U.S. has faced in decades. It painted a prevailing picture of incompetence, greatly emboldening adversaries while leaving allies feeling humiliated. This reluctance, some might argue, played a role in triggering significant global events, like Russia’s unpredictable invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and Hamas’ unexpected surge into Israel in October 2023. With America’s perceived weakness, hostile entities felt encouraged to step into the resulting power vacuum.

There were clear voices calling for accountability, notably from President Donald Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth. Their earnest requests resonated for all to hear. Fast forward a few months, and many Americans are still anxiously awaiting conclusions about the actions taken during that time. Given the anniversary, it might be a fitting moment for the current administration to share its findings and frankly, tie up this distressing portion of American history.

Voter sentiment has already shown that President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are viewed with skepticism at the ballot box, a sentiment likely influenced by this geopolitical misstep. Many citizens believe that the fallout from such a severe decision will linger without healing, or, perhaps, even worsen.

Additionally, two key military figures involved in the withdrawal—Chairman Mike Milley and U.S. Central Commander Frank McKenzie—have since retired. Their departure arguably takes the weight off this operational blunder, but the questions regarding accountability still remain.

Many senior leaders who played roles during the withdrawal still hold positions today, including figures who were part of the senior staff at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). This ongoing presence raises eyebrows as the current public remains in the dark about their accountability since the Trump administration.

Two crucial facets remain concerning Afghanistan’s exit: the strategic decisions surrounding the withdrawal and the operational choices made in the process. From my perspective in Iraq, and observing as a senior defense officer, it was evident that U.S. Central Command had significant control over both aspects, usually with little room for debate or differing views from those stationed on the ground.

CENTCOM is filled with highly capable individuals, tasked with advising the president and the Secretary of Defense. Yet, the performance of these senior military officers during this critical juncture has disappointed many within the military community and the American populace. Their failure to successfully execute this operation sends a troubling message to those who served and made sacrifices in Afghanistan.

It might be chilling for the U.S. population to realize that several of the major leaders from CENTCOM during the withdrawal have not only remained but have been promoted, thus increasing their authority further. This suggests that, despite their underwhelming performance during the Afghanistan withdrawal, they continue to serve in high-stakes positions. In contrast to the leadership turnover involving Biden, Harris, Milley, and McKenzie, their ongoing roles leave them insulated from the consequences that might otherwise align with accountability. Until something changes, this anniversary will likely serve as a reminder of their continued involvement in national security matters—potentially to the detriment of the country.