Post Reports Can military leaders answer for Afghanistan?
Sep 29, 2021
Alex Horton, a military reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the turbulent fallout of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He discusses the intense scrutiny military leaders are facing as Congress seeks accountability for their decisions. Horton highlights the flawed intelligence behind a tragic drone strike and explores the contradictions in governmental strategies. He also reflects on the disconnect between military objectives and the stark realities on the ground, underscoring the urgent need for leadership reform.
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The Drone Strike
- A white Toyota Corolla leaving a suspected ISIS safehouse was targeted by a US drone strike.
- The strike tragically killed 10 civilians, including 7 children, after they appeared in the drone feed seconds before impact.
Congressional Hearings
- Lawmakers questioned top military officials, including Gen. Mark Milley and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, about the Afghanistan withdrawal.
- Partisan lines were drawn, with Republicans blaming Biden and Democrats citing inevitable failure.
Military Advice Ignored
- Military leaders admitted to advising Biden to keep 2,500 troops in Afghanistan, contradicting Biden's claims.
- They couldn't explain how this would have changed the outcome or justified the continued risk.