LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding Afghanistan and the Biden Administration's response:
"U.S. servicemembers and diplomats are now engaged in a round-the-clock mission to get American citizens, loyal partners, and vulnerable Afghans out of Kabul. The task is difficult and dangerous. Their efforts under pressure reflect America at its finest. Our personnel in harm's way deserve our utmost respect and support.
"But the situation they are confronting was both foreseeable and avoidable. The Biden Administration's single-minded pursuit of quick withdrawal from Afghanistan ignored the clear warnings of national security experts about the disastrous consequences that would follow. Our retreat has laid groundwork for a massive humanitarian crisis under Taliban rule and a global terrorist resurgence under al-Qaeda's leadership.
"The responsibility for this catastrophic decision rests with the commander-in-chief who made it.
"Moving forward, the Biden Administration must do more to mitigate the fallout, including stepping up evacuation operations and committing to stay as long as it takes to bring Americans and our Afghan friends to safety. Knocking on wood is not how this gets done.
"Our abandonment of the battlefield in Afghanistan has already sent the wrong messages to our allies and adversaries alike. The apparent reliance of our evacuation operations on the Taliban's goodwill is a further shameful stain on our credibility.
"The United States must prepare to regain trust and respect by leading the fight against a new wave of international terror. As the Taliban raise their flag and al-Qaeda rally their supporters, we must be prepared to win the battles to come.
"This will require leaders who are honest with the American people about the terrorist threats that remain, and about the need to give our military servicemembers and intelligence professionals the resources they need to win."
###
