US exit from Afghanistan could hold valuable lessons

Significance

The final departure of US troops from Kabul in August 2021 has become a point of political contention that will feature during next year’s election campaign. Republicans blame poor decision-making in the Biden White House for the rushed retreat, while Democrats point to the terms of a Trump-brokered withdrawal agreement.

Impacts

• The release of more executive branch documents could further challenge the Biden administration’s narrative of the withdrawal.
• Republicans may have trouble separating the chaotic withdrawal from the popular decision to end the US military’s role in Afghanistan.
• Reviews of crisis preparedness may lead to structural changes, training improvements and better communications when force is used.