Angela Merkel Assesses Afghanistan Withdrawal as Successful

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed her belief that the withdrawal of German troops from Afghanistan in 2021 was executed effectively. During her appearance before the Bundestag's Afghanistan inquiry committee, she noted that the timeline for the withdrawal was adhered to, which she found reassuring.

Merkel reflected on Germany's involvement in the military operation in Afghanistan, asserting that her decision at the time was justified. She emphasized that there was a reasonable expectation that no further terrorist attacks would be planned from Afghan territory after the military engagement. However, she acknowledged that the international community faced significant setbacks in achieving other objectives, such as establishing the rule of law and promoting women's rights.

According to Merkel, the failures in these areas can be attributed to a lack of cultural understanding among Western allies, as well as issues like nepotism and drug trafficking.

In her testimony, Merkel also addressed the implications of the Doha Agreement, which was signed on August 29, 2020, between the United States and the Taliban. This agreement outlined the withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban commitment to prevent Afghan territory from being used as a base for terrorist groups.

Prior to Merkel's questioning, the committee had interviewed Helge Braun, her former chief of staff. The inquiry is focused on examining the circumstances surrounding the rapid evacuation of German personnel from Kabul in August 2021, as well as the decision-making processes related to the resettlement of Afghan local staff who assisted German forces.

The Afghanistan inquiry committee's objective is not only to investigate these events but also to provide recommendations for the German government's response in future crises and conflicts. The examination of past decisions and their impacts aims to enhance the preparedness and effectiveness of governmental actions in similar situations moving forward.

As the inquiry progresses, it seeks to shed light on the complexities of the withdrawal process and the broader implications of international military engagements.