Staff Reports
The Taliban recently made waves by commemorating the third anniversary of their takeover of Afghanistan with a flashy parade at Bagram Air Force Base, conveniently showcasing the military equipment the Biden administration deserted. A national holiday was declared, providing yet another chance for the Afghanistan government to flaunt its hard-won “victories” while poking the United States in the eye. Using the national solar calendar for the celebrations a day early, they clearly enjoyed reminding Americans of a failed withdrawal strategy that has turned into a global embarrassment.
The legacy of the Biden administration continues to unravel in real-time, leaving a particularly bitter taste for anyone concerned about national security. Vice President Kamala Harris bears a significant portion of the blame for this debacle. Her oversights have not only resulted in our military equipment being paraded by the Taliban but have also caused the entire world to question American leadership. Americans have gone from being proud supporters of democracy in Afghanistan to becoming the butt of jokes, thanks in large part to the leadership—or lack thereof—from Washington.
The Taliban just held a military parade with our equipment that was left during the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal.
Kamala was the “last person in the room” when the decisions were made regarding the withdrawal.
Around $7B worth of equipment was left.
Kamala is responsible… pic.twitter.com/Adhfjb1e41
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 14, 2024
While the Taliban’s power grab and national celebrations are a stark reminder of the cruelty inherent in their regime, they also pose significant challenges for the international community, particularly regarding the treatment of women. Afghanistan is now the only country where girls are prohibited from accessing education beyond sixth grade, and this right is being trampled as the world watches in horror. The so-called “Islamic Emirate” continues to mock the values that many nations hold dear, all while displaying pride in the equipment that was intended to protect those freedoms.
The Bagram ceremony included a military show with a 21-gun salute and speeches from Taliban leaders, attended by a nearly all-male audience, including foreign diplomats. This display, filled with tanks and helicopters gifted by American taxpayers, signifies the absolute failure of Biden’s supposed plan for Afghanistan. The previous administration’s efforts to ensure a stable exit were undermined by a blind rush for the exit, leading to a catastrophic situation that scarred the lives of those left behind and tarnished the memories of 13 American servicemen who died during the chaotic withdrawal.
While some bizarrely attempt to deflect responsibility, they can’t hide from the evidence. Harris, often labeled the “border czar,” has shown a consistent inability to take the reins when crises arise. Despite being at the forefront of national decisions (or perhaps because of it), she has skillfully sidestepped accountability, just as she did when issues at the southern border escalated. Meanwhile, former President Trump, having warned of these dire outcomes, continues to resonate with a considerable number of Americans who see the clear delineation of leadership failure.
Watching the Taliban revel in their ill-gotten gains while the Biden administration seeks to explain away their incompetence can only invoke frustration and disbelief. The juxtaposition of our armed forces’ sacrifices against the backdrop of a seemingly carefree celebration by a repressive regime is disheartening. This spectacle at Bagram is not merely a slap in the face but a glaring testament to the products of misguided governance, leaving Americans questioning the direction in which their country is headed under the current administration.
