Despite being the "last person in the room" with President Biden before the withdrawal decision, the extent of Vice President Kamala Harris' involvement remains unclear.
Vice President Kamala Harris' influence on the botched withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan remains shrouded in obscurity despite her previous assertion that she was the "last person in the room" with President Biden before the decision was made.
A recent Washington Post report sheds some light on Harris' role, revealing that officials claim she did not advocate for policy changes but raised important questions during interagency meetings in early 2021. However, the extent of her influence is unclear.
Kamala Harris' Role in Afghanistan Withdrawal Remains Murky
One senior military official described Harris as "like a district attorney" during her questioning but noted that she offered limited insight into her own views. Another official claimed that Harris played no significant role in the National Security Council meetings led by Biden.
Harris' aide stated that she participated fully in the deliberations before the withdrawal and "strongly supported President Biden’s decision to end America’s longest war." However, the aide declined to elaborate on her private conversations with the President.
Kamala Harris' Role in Afghanistan Withdrawal Remains Murky
Harris' earlier statements suggest a desire to maintain stability in Afghanistan and protect women's rights, raising questions about her position on the withdrawal.
Republicans and former President Trump have criticized Biden's handling of the withdrawal, particularly his omission of the service members killed at Abbey Gate during a presidential debate.
Kamala Harris' Role in Afghanistan Withdrawal Remains Murky
Attendees of the Republican National Convention heard from the families of those service members, who condemned Biden for failing to publicly utter their names.
As the Democratic ticket focuses on Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, criticism of her involvement in the Afghanistan withdrawal has gained limited traction.
Kamala Harris' Role in Afghanistan Withdrawal Remains Murky
Requests for comment from Harris' campaign and the vice president's office have not been immediately answered.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Harris' role in the Afghanistan withdrawal, her influence remains an important topic for public discussion and accountability.
