In a recent meeting of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Secretary of State Antony Blinken provided a detailed assessment of the State Department's withdrawal from Afghanistan, emphasizing the extensive planning that allowed for a swift evacuation of American diplomats and citizens. When Kabul fell on August 15, 2021, the U.S. managed to relocate its embassy staff to the airport within 48 hours and executed the largest airlift in American history, successfully evacuating around 20,000 individuals, including Americans, Afghans, and citizens from allied nations.

Blinken acknowledged the ongoing reflections on the withdrawal, stating that the State Department has implemented over 40 initiatives based on an after-action review led by retired Ambassador Dan Smith. These measures aim to improve responses to future crises, with positive outcomes already noted in recent emergencies in Sudan and Israel.

Despite criticisms regarding the withdrawal, Blinken defended the decision, asserting that American troops are no longer in harm's way and that the safety of the American people has improved. He countered claims that Afghanistan would revert to being a terrorist haven, highlighting that Al Qaeda has not regrouped in the country and that a successful strike against its leader occurred without U.S. ground forces.

The Secretary also addressed concerns about the fate of Afghan allies, stating that every American citizen who wished to leave during the evacuation has had the opportunity to do so. Since September 2021, the U.S. has resettled over 85,000 Afghans, with a significant number entering through the Special Immigrant Visa program.

However, the meeting was not without controversy. Blinken faced tough questions regarding the abandonment of sensitive security assets and classified documents during the evacuation, as highlighted by the State Department's Inspector General. Critics pointed to the chaotic nature of the withdrawal, drawing parallels to historical events like the fall of Saigon.

In conclusion, while the Secretary of State emphasized the positive outcomes of the evacuation and the ongoing support for Afghan women and girls, the discussions underscored the complexities and challenges of the withdrawal process. The meeting highlighted the need for continued accountability and learning from past mistakes as the U.S. navigates its foreign policy and humanitarian commitments moving forward.