Vice President Kamala Harris outlined her plans for foreign policy in her Democratic National Convention acceptance speech, emphasizing support for Israel and Ukraine while touting her record as vice president. However, her remarks made no mention of the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Thursday evening, unveiling her foreign policy vision and highlighting her record as vice president. Harris pledged steadfast support for Israel and Ukraine, while also celebrating her handling of the war in Russia.
"As president, I will never waver in defense of America's security and ideals. Because, in the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand — and where the United States of America belongs," Harris declared.
Kamala Harris Unveils Foreign Policy Agenda at DNC, Pledges Support for Israel and Ukraine
Harris highlighted her meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky five days before Russia's invasion, which she said allowed her to help mobilize a global response against Russian aggression. She also promised to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and NATO allies as the war continues.
Regarding Israel, Harris vowed to "always stand up" for the country's right to defend itself, expressing her belief that a two-state solution is the only viable path to lasting peace.
Kamala Harris Unveils Foreign Policy Agenda at DNC, Pledges Support for Israel and Ukraine
"I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself. And I will always stand up for the United States-Israel relationship, which is rooted in shared values and a common commitment to democracy," Harris asserted.
However, Harris's speech made no mention of the 13 U.S. service members who died during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, an event that has been widely criticized by Republicans and some Democrats.
Kamala Harris Unveils Foreign Policy Agenda at DNC, Pledges Support for Israel and Ukraine
The botched withdrawal led to the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and the deaths of those service members who were defending the Kabul airport during the operation. Families of the fallen soldiers have expressed outrage over the withdrawal and have demanded accountability from the Biden administration.
Harris has previously stated that she was the "last person in the room" with President Biden when he made the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. She has also said that she was "comfortable" with the operation, which ultimately turned deadly.
Kamala Harris Unveils Foreign Policy Agenda at DNC, Pledges Support for Israel and Ukraine
In her DNC speech, Harris praised veterans and the military, but she did not mention the Afghanistan withdrawal or the service members who lost their lives.
Harris's foreign policy agenda will likely be a key focus of the upcoming presidential election, as voters consider her experience and qualifications to lead the country on the international stage.
Kamala Harris Unveils Foreign Policy Agenda at DNC, Pledges Support for Israel and Ukraine
