Trump and Harris clash on Afghanistan withdrawal

Former President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris debated each other for the first time on September 10. The discussion covered various topics, including the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

Trump criticized the Biden administration’s withdrawal handling, describing it as one of the worst moments in U.S. history. He argued that the Biden administration failed to adhere to the terms of the agreement with the Taliban, which he claimed included specific conditions for a phased withdrawal.

Trump emphasized that the agreement with the Taliban was intended to be conditional, with a gradual exit plan. He contended that the Biden administration’s failure to follow this plan led to a disastrous outcome.

In contrast, Kamala Harris defended President Biden’s decision regarding withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan. She accused Trump of negotiating with the Taliban and inviting them to Camp David, which she argued was done without involving the Afghan government.

Harris stated that Trump’s negotiations with the Taliban were conducted without proper engagement with the then-Afghanistan government, leading to the current situation. She asserted her support for Biden’s approach and highlighted the differences between their handling of the situation.

The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021 was marked by chaos and disorganization, leading to the rapid collapse of the former Afghan government. The Taliban swiftly regained control of the country as American forces completed their exit.

The chaotic scenes at Kabul’s airport, where thousands of people scrambled to evacuate, illustrated the disarray of the withdrawal process. The swift takeover by the Taliban highlighted the lack of preparation and coordination in the final stages of the U.S. presence in Afghanistan.

The fall of Afghanistan into Taliban hands has been a point of contention between political leaders, with differing views on the handling of the withdrawal and the subsequent impact on the region. The debate continues to influence U.S. political discourse and policy discussions.

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