Merkel testifies on Afghanistan withdrawal

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel testified before a parliamentary committee investigating Germany’s role in the chaotic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.

Germany’s involvement in Afghanistan ended abruptly on August 15, 2021, when the Taliban seized Kabul. The German government, including then-Chancellor Angela Merkel, did not anticipate the rapid Taliban takeover, leading to a chaotic evacuation of German citizens and Afghan allies.

Since 2022, a Bundestag inquiry has been investigating the mistakes behind the withdrawal, with Merkel as the final witness. The ex-Chancellor reiterated that the mission was meant to prevent terrorist attacks from Afghanistan.

Angela Merkel acknowledged that foreign governments failed to meet key objectives, such as promoting the rule of law and women’s rights. She also pointed to cultural misunderstandings, nepotism, and drug trafficking as reasons for the failure. She admitted being initially reluctant to evacuate Afghan development workers, fearing it would signal that Germany was abandoning Afghanistan.

Merkel’s testimony aligned with her former colleague, Helge Braun, who defended the Federal Intelligence Service for underestimating the Taliban’s quick takeover.
The inquiry is focused on the decision-making process and coordination between Germ an government departments and international partners. Committee chair Ralf Stegner highlighted the need to question Angela Merkel about U.S. negotiations under Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, especially concerning the conditions tied to troop withdrawals.

Chairman of Parliamentary Afghanistan Investigation Committee, Ralf Stegner said that,  questions will have to be asked about the duty of care towards the local German forces, about the preparations for the evacuation operation and also about the findings of the Federal Intelligence Service as to whether everything was as it should have been.

Former US President Donald Trump continued to criticize the U.S. withdrawal. Called it a "calamity", seeking for accountability. The international mission in Afghanistan has carried on for about two decades with the US leading the way. Germany was also involved from the start, offering military and humanitarian services. The final report from the German inquiry is expected by next February.

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