PHILIDALPHIA, USA: During their first debate on September 10, former President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris fiercely debated the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Trump criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal, calling it one of the worst moments in U.S. history. He argued that Biden failed to follow the conditional agreement made with the Taliban, which was supposed to ensure a phased exit.
In response, Kamala Harris defended President Biden’s decision, pointing out that Trump’s negotiations with the Taliban excluded the Afghan government and were poorly managed. She argued that Trump’s actions set the stage for the chaotic withdrawal that unfolded.
The debate highlighted the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal in August 2021, marked by the rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban’s swift takeover. The chaotic scenes at Kabul’s airport during evacuations illustrated the disarray. Both leaders continue to hold opposing views on the withdrawal’s handling, shaping ongoing U.S. policy discussions.
