Pentagon Launches Comprehensive Review of 2021 Afghanistan Withdrawal

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered a comprehensive review of the 2021 U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, aiming to ensure accountability for the chaotic exit that resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and the rapid Taliban takeover of Kabul. The review, led by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell and a special panel including combat veterans and investigators, will reexamine previous investigations and analyze decision-making failures during the withdrawal. Hegseth emphasized the Department of Defense's obligation to uncover the facts and regain trust with the American public and military members, with findings expected to be released soon. The investigation will address critical issues such as military planning inadequacies, poor inter-agency coordination, and the State Department's unclear leadership, which all contributed to the disorderly evacuation and tragic bombing. Former military leaders have criticized the rapid troop withdrawal and recommended maintaining a residual force to preserve stability, but the decision to withdraw fully left key positions unsecured. Analysts highlight the historical and political significance of this investigation, suggesting it could improve transparency and guide future U.S. policy and humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan.