Afghanistan exit: Politicians split on the wisdom of full withdrawal

Republicans have split over the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, with some fearing the exit will sow the seeds of a deeper conflict that will jeapordise American lives.

US senator Lindsey Graham. Picture: AFP

Republicans have split over the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, with some of the party’s highest-profile figures concerned the exit will sow the seeds of a deeper conflict that will jeapordise American lives.

Dubbed the “forever war” by Donald Trump, the US entered Afghanistan in response to the September 11 attacks of 2001.

Speaking after US President Joe Biden announced the withdrawal of the remaining troops by September 11, Republican senator Lindsey Graham said the Biden administration had chosen the “highest risk” option. “I’m certain our military would have advised against a unilateral withdrawal,” he said. “The result of this decision is to cancel the insurance policy that will prevent another 9/11.”

Liz Cheney, a US congresswoman and daughter of former vice-president Dick Cheney, said the decision was “reckless”. “You don’t end wars by announcing you’re leaving,” she said. “Any decision should be based on conditions on the ground, and I suspect he’s ignoring the advice of military leaders on ground.”

Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, said: “We’re going to help our adversaries ring in the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by gift-wrapping the country, and handing it back to them.”

The bulk of Democrats, and many Republicans, support Mr Biden’s decision to withdraw the last remaining troops.

Mike Pompeo, Mr Trump’s secretary of state, is one prominent Republican to back the Biden plan. “Their direction of travel is completely appropriate and the right thing to do, but tactics matter,” he said. “The destruction of al-Qa’ida has been accomplished. We spent nearly $US25bn a year helping the Afghan government … improve its capacity. It’s time the world demands the Afghan government get their act together.”

Senator Graham said the bipartisan Afghan Study Group commissioned by congress in February had warned that total withdrawal could lead to a new terrorist threat within 18 months to three years after withdrawal.

“A complete US withdrawal without a peace agreement would allow [terrorist groups] to gradually rebuild their capabilities in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region such that they might be able to attack the US,” the report said.

“We’ve gained this idea the war is over … with all due respect, Mr President, you’ve extended the war, not ended it,” Senator Graham said.

The White House said Mr Biden phoned the Afghan president on Wednesday to stress the US would continue to support the country, “including through continued development, humanitarian, and security assistance”.