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.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Europe needs a real voice in shaping Washington’s Ukraine peace pla...
Israel carried out a targeted airstrike on Sunday in a southern suburb of Beirut, killing a top military official of Hezbollah, the Israeli military c...
Voters in Guinea-Bissau headed to the polls on Sunday with many expressing hope that the election will bring stability, improved governance and contin...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy publicly thanked the United States, its citizens, and President Donald Trump for continued support to Ukraine....
Americans say they have not been told clearly why U.S. forces are massing near Venezuela and remain wary of any move toward military action, even as f...
Israel carried out a targeted airstrike on Sunday in a southern suburb of Beirut, killing a top military official of Hezbollah, the Israeli military confirmed. The strike targeted Haytham Ali Tabtabai, the acting chief of staff of the Iran-backed group.
Voters in Guinea-Bissau headed to the polls on Sunday with many expressing hope that the election will bring stability, improved governance and continued development in the West African nation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy publicly thanked the United States, its citizens, and President Donald Trump for continued support to Ukraine.
European, Ukrainian and U.S. officials met in Geneva on Sunday to examine Washington’s draft plan to end the war in Ukraine. The proposal has raised concern in Kyiv and among its allies, who say it includes major concessions to Russia.
The United States is preparing to launch a new round of Venezuela-related operations in the coming days, as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies efforts to pressure President Nicolás Maduro’s government and targets what it calls Venezuela’s role in the regional drug trade.
Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport in the southern Netherlands was suspended on Saturday evening after multiple drones were sighted near the facility, prompting the deployment of counter-drone systems and raising fresh alarm over airspace security in Europe.
Several international airlines have suspended flights from Venezuela after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of heightened military activity and deteriorating security conditions in the country’s airspace.
Jamaica has declared an outbreak of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease suspected of causing six deaths following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa in late October.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning to major airlines on Friday, alerting them to a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela.
The United States said it made significant progress on a framework aimed at ending the war in Ukraine during high-level talks in Geneva on Sunday, though no final agreement was reached.
Canada and India have agreed to restart negotiations for a new trade deal, Indian officials confirmed on Sunday, after talks stalled following a diplomatic spat two years ago.
Italy captured a remarkable third consecutive Davis Cup title on Sunday, with Matteo Berrettini and Flavio Cobolli securing singles victories in a 2-0 triumph over Spain in Bologna.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Europe needs a real voice in shaping Washington’s Ukraine peace plan after a joint call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Israel carried out a targeted airstrike on Sunday in a southern suburb of Beirut, killing a top military official of Hezbollah, the Israeli military confirmed. The strike targeted Haytham Ali Tabtabai, the acting chief of staff of the Iran-backed group.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment