The U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs convened on December 11, 2024, to assess the State Department's withdrawal from Afghanistan, featuring testimony from Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The meeting highlighted intense bipartisan scrutiny regarding the implications of the withdrawal and the broader geopolitical consequences.

The session opened with a stark critique from one committee member, who accused the administration of allowing conditions in Afghanistan to deteriorate, resulting in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members. This member emphasized that the current global landscape is precarious, likening it to the lead-up to World War II. He argued that the administration's failure to hold the Taliban accountable has left the world in a worse state, asserting that key figures in the Middle East would still be alive had the U.S. followed different policies.

In contrast, another committee member expressed gratitude for Blinken's service, acknowledging the unprecedented challenges he faced. This member paid tribute to the sacrifices of U.S. service members and their families, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the failures of U.S. policy in Afghanistan over the past two decades. He posed critical questions regarding the misjudgment of Afghan forces' cohesion and the political leadership, suggesting that a bipartisan commission should investigate these issues.

Blinken responded by acknowledging the collective nature of the intelligence failures that led to the rapid collapse of the Afghan government and military. He noted that no one anticipated the speed of the government's fall, including President Ashraf Ghani's unexpected flight from the country. Blinken expressed hope that the ongoing investigation would yield insights to prevent future missteps.

The discussion also touched on the broader consequences of the withdrawal, with committee members highlighting how adversaries have been emboldened in the wake of the U.S. exit from Afghanistan. Concerns were raised about the implications for global security, particularly in light of Russia's actions in Ukraine and recent attacks in the Middle East.

As the meeting concluded, the committee underscored the importance of learning from the Afghanistan experience to avoid future conflicts and ensure a more stable international environment. The session reflected a deep concern over the legacy of the withdrawal and its lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy.