Tens of thousands of Afghans and Americans have already been airlifted out of Afghanistan at this time, with many more on the way. However, despite increased efforts to keep to the August 31 deadline, California Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff warned that the intelligence community was aware that the Taliban had the capability to take over Afghanistan.
US President Joe Biden and his administration have been subject to a lot of harsh criticism despite a majority of veterans, especially those who have served in Afghanistan, have supported the withdrawal. However, even with the efforts to get as many Afghans and Americans out of the war-torn nation, Schiff, who is also the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, revealed details that may not be so positive regarding the withdrawal.
According to CNN’s Ryan Nobles, Schiff said he does not think the US will be able to meet the August 31 deadline for the troop and civilian withdrawal from Afghanistan. The insurgent group has also kept to the deadline of August 31, promising no concessions beyond the date. Schiff, having left an intelligence briefing regarding the Afghanistan crisis, also said that the intelligence community was very aware that the insurgent group could take over and that their assessments on the ability of the Afghan government to defend itself have since grown to be “pessimistic.”
“The intelligence agencies’ assessments of the Afghan government’s ability to maintain itself became increasingly pessimistic over the course of the last six months,” said the California Democrat, according to Nobles. “And there were any number of warnings that the Taliban might take over, and some that included a potential of a very rapid, the Afghan government enforces.”
Previously, users on social media criticized the statement of former President George W. Bush, who ordered the invasion of Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks, weighing in on the withdrawal. In a joint statement with former first lady Laura Bush, they extended their sympathies to Afghans as well as the US and NATO troops that have stayed for 20 years.
Many of the criticism towards the former president pointed out that he was ultimately responsible for the war happening in the first place.