Rep. McCaul questions 9 diplomats on Afghanistan withdrawal.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mike McCaul (R-Texas) is ⁤demanding answers. On the two-year anniversary of the ⁢U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, McCaul has called for nine ‍current and former U.S. diplomats to ⁢testify about their role in the chaotic evacuation efforts.

In​ a series of letters, McCaul identified nine key officials​ who could⁣ shed light⁢ on the conclusion of the 20-year war in Afghanistan. These individuals have been asked to provide ⁣transcribed interviews to Congress, revealing crucial information about the Biden administration’s withdrawal and the subsequent surrender to the Taliban.

Key Officials Requested for Testimony:

• Ross L. Wilson, former acting ⁤U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan
• Brian McKeon, former deputy secretary‍ of state for management​ and ⁢resources
• Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation
• Carol Perez, ⁢former​ acting under secretary of ⁢state‍ for management
• Ambassador John Bass, under‌ secretary of state for management and⁢ former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan
• Derek Chollet, counselor to the secretary
• Suzy‌ George, chief of staff to ⁣the secretary
• Salman​ Ahmed, director, policy planning staff
• Dean Thompson, U.S. ambassador to Nepal, former acting assistant‌ secretary for south and central Asia

The U.S. withdrawal‍ from Afghanistan‍ was ‍marred by chaos ‍and tragedy. As the Taliban seized control of the country, ‌the Western-backed Afghan government collapsed.‍ U.S. troops and diplomats worked tirelessly to ​evacuate ​civilians through the Kabul airport, hoping for ​a peaceful resolution with the Taliban.

However, the ⁣ISIS-K terrorist group took advantage of the situation and carried out a ⁢devastating suicide attack at the airport, ⁣resulting in the deaths of 13 U.S. servicemembers and numerous civilians.

McCaul is determined to uncover the truth behind this “unmitigated disaster of epic proportions.” He ‌has sent⁢ letters to the former diplomats and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, requesting their testimony‍ before Congress. The deadline for arranging ⁣the transcribed interviews is September 7.

While the State Department has not⁤ confirmed whether Blinken will approve⁣ the interview requests, they⁢ have expressed cooperation with the post-withdrawal investigations thus ⁣far.

Questions For Military ⁤Officials

McCaul’s investigation extends beyond the ⁢diplomats. The Department of Defense and the State Department ⁤both played ⁤crucial roles in​ the ⁣withdrawal and evacuation operations.

Earlier this month, McCaul requested a transcribed interview with U.S. ⁤Marine Lt. Col. ‍Brad‌ Whited, the commanding officer of a ‍sniper team involved in⁣ the security mission at the Kabul airport. This interview will provide further insight ‌into​ the events surrounding the fall of Afghanistan.