An investigator’s resignation in protest against a partisan probe into Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal casts a harsh light on the deep political divisions in the US.
At a Glance
- Senior investigator Jerry Dunleavy resigns from the GOP-led Afghanistan withdrawal probe.
- Dunleavy labels the investigation as politically motivated and ineffective.
- Criticism targets Congressional committee members and their investigative efforts.
- Partisan disputes complicate accountability for the Afghanistan exit.
Investigator’s Resignation over Afghanistan Probe
Jerry Dunleavy, a senior investigator, resigned from the Republican House Foreign Affairs Committee’s investigation into the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Dunleavy posted his resignation letter on social media, portraying himself as a whistleblower revealing the committee’s “investigative paralysis” and its failure to fully utilize its power to examine the evacuation’s failures.
He criticized the committee’s chief investigator, senior staff, and Chairman Michael McCaul for stymying investigative efforts. His resignation underscores a broader issue: the deep ideological schisms hindering bipartisan review and oversight. The departure spotlights concerns about the fairness and purpose of the investigation.
Allegations and Inaction
Dunleavy accused the committee of treating critical figures with “kid gloves” and not taking steps to investigate Vice President Kamala Harris’s role in the withdrawal. He expressed urgency to pursue key interviews and hold military generals accountable before the forthcoming election. The committee’s inaction, according to Dunleavy, could prevent learning valuable lessons and ultimately contributes to unnecessary future Gold Star families.
Committee spokesperson Emily Cassil defended McCaul, emphasizing his dedication to getting answers for Gold Star families and veterans. A Republican committee aide stated Harris’s role would be addressed in the final report, which is anticipated in September. McCaul has always highlighted the importance of probing the chaotic withdrawal that resulted in 13 U.S. service members and roughly 170 Afghan civilians being killed.
Political Divisions Perpetrate the Issue
The investigative dispute is emblematic of broader partisan tensions. Democrats criticize McCaul’s investigation, asserting it fails to address former President Trump’s role or decisions by previous administrations. An August 2022 interim report published by the committee highlighted administrative missteps and lack of preparatory planning for the withdrawal, reflecting divided assessments of responsibility.
Dunleavy and co-author James Hasson reported U.S. intelligence was aware of ISIS-K terrorists near Kabul International Airport before the deadly terrorist bombing. The Pentagon identified Abdul Rahman al-Logari as the suicide bomber responsible for the deaths of U.S. troops and Afghan civilians.
Accountability and Conclusion
The committee’s final report, based on over 20 transcribed interviews and conclusions from at least five public hearings, will be unveiled soon. The committee has spent thousands of hours working on the report and interviewing senior administration officials, and plans to request Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s testimony after its release.
Dunleavy emphasized the need for accountability to prevent future unnecessary deaths and ensure lessons are learned from the withdrawal. As political and ideological divides deepen, accountability seems more challenging, leaving questions about the probe’s fairness and effectiveness.
No American has forgotten President Biden’s attempts to defend his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. Unfortunately, U.S. Embassy Kabul was not safely shut down. In fact, American diplomats were airlifted off the roof – just like in like Vietnam decades ago. Instead of… pic.twitter.com/ps3CgUhdch
— House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority (@HouseForeignGOP) August 16, 2024
Sources
1. Afghanistan withdrawal investigator resigns in protest from GOP probe
