Despite criticism for her role in the Afghanistan withdrawal, Vice President Kamala Harris must address future plans for the region while President Biden remains on vacation.
As the three-year anniversary of the deadly Abbey Gate suicide bombing in Afghanistan approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris faces mounting pressure to clarify her plans for the country's future. The tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and over 100 Afghans, has cast a shadow on the Biden administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
On a teleconference Monday, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby acknowledged the somber anniversary and emphasized that President Biden remains in charge of the country. However, Biden's conspicuous absence from public view on the day of remembrance has raised questions about his engagement in decision-making.
Harris to Face Scrutiny over Afghan Withdrawal Role as Biden Remains Out of Sight
Journalists have highlighted Biden's lack of public appearances and the dearth of events on his schedule, fostering the perception that he is increasingly disengaged from presidential responsibilities. "Is he a ceremonial figure in some sense at this point?" asked Newsmax's James Rosen during the teleconference.
Kirby defended Biden's commitment to his duties, citing his conversations with world leaders and monitoring of international events while on vacation. However, the President's physical absence on such a significant anniversary has sparked further concerns.
Harris to Face Scrutiny over Afghan Withdrawal Role as Biden Remains Out of Sight
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery with relatives of the fallen service members. Biden and Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in 2024, were notably absent from the event but released statements listing the names of the victims.
The Trump campaign has criticized the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, accusing them of failing to adequately support American citizens and leaving behind billions of dollars worth of equipment for the Taliban. Relatives of the fallen have also condemned Biden for not publicly acknowledging their names.
Harris to Face Scrutiny over Afghan Withdrawal Role as Biden Remains Out of Sight
As the anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing approaches, the spotlight will be on Harris to address her plans for Afghanistan's future and to assure the public that the Biden administration is committed to upholding America's national security interests. Biden's continued absence from the public eye will only amplify these concerns and raise further questions about the leadership of the country during a critical time.
