Secretary Of State Blinken Defends Afghanistan Withdrawal In Testimony

Blinken defended the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, stating it was the right decision and that the Biden administration inherited the timeline. He noted that intelligence did not predict the rapid collapse of the Afghan government. Sanctions will be used as leverage on the Taliban, whose international relations depend on their conduct, including counterterrorism commitments and upholding Afghan rights. The Taliban promised not to harbor terrorists but have not clarified their stance on elections or inclusive governance.

What concerns did lawmakers express regarding the Afghan government?

What are the expectations of the international community regarding the Taliban's conduct?