Taliban's Influence and Donald Trump's Responsibility in Afghanistan Withdrawal

Understanding Trump's Role in the Afghanistan Withdrawal

Retired Army Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, who served as national security adviser under Donald Trump, states that Trump bears significant responsibility for the tumultuous U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Taliban's influence loomed large during this process, leading to severe consequences.

The Chaotic Exit from Afghanistan

As the last U.S. troops evacuated in August 2021, following an ISIS-K suicide bombing, both Trump and Republicans heavily criticized President Biden for his handling of the withdrawal. However, it's crucial to recognize the groundwork laid during the Trump administration.

• The deal negotiated with the Taliban set the stage for eventual chaos.
• Mistakes during the transition contributed to the rapid collapse of the Afghan government.

President Biden Faces the Backlash

While the final withdrawal was executed by Biden, the circumstances were heavily influenced by Trump's prior actions and agreements with the Taliban. McMaster candidly shared his views during an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper, emphasizing the shared blame.

This critical assessment draws attention to how negotiations with the Taliban by the Trump administration have severely impacted Afghanistan's future.