Blinken to Testify on Afghanistan Withdrawal

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to testify before the Republican-led House Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, following months of contention over his appearance. House Republicans previously suggested holding Blinken in contempt for not complying with a subpoena, accusing the Biden administration of misleading the public about the withdrawal process. During his testimony, Blinken is expected to criticize the Trump-era Doha agreement, which he claims empowered the Taliban, and commend efforts to resettle Afghan allies in the U.S. The contentious issue has become a focal point of the 2024 presidential campaign, with President-elect Donald Trump pledging to pursue accountability for the withdrawal. Despite claims of extensive cooperation from the State Department, the committee's chairman, Rep. Michael McCaul, criticized the administration's handling of the evacuation and anticipates Blinken's testimony will inform future legislation to prevent similar errors. The investigation into the withdrawal is likely to continue beyond the upcoming election.