Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman
August 13, 2021 | Press Releases
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) issued the following statement in response to the growing security crisis in Afghanistan following the announced withdrawal of American troops by the Biden administration. In recent weeks, Taliban fighters have overrun multiple provincial capitals and estimates suggest insurgents could take control of Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, in a matter of weeks. Portman urged the Biden administration to take the necessary steps to protect the U.S. citizens in Afghanistan, help members of the Afghan populace who have supported the U.S. mission there, and support the Afghan government’s efforts to maintain control over the country.
“The rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan is of great concern and is a direct result of yet another poor strategic decision by the Biden administration. I have long said that our eventual withdrawal from Afghanistan must be measured and responsible – this was neither. Based on the Taliban’s previous history of violence and repression, it was irresponsible of the administration to think the Taliban would serve as a credible negotiating partner for the legitimate Afghan government.
“I fully support the deployment of military personnel to ensure the safety of our State Department personnel and to assist in the evacuation of the brave Afghans who have served side by side with us. The Biden administration bears full responsibility for the current situation in Afghanistan and must do everything possible to protect our citizens, provide a safe passage for as many Afghan allies as possible, and support the Afghan government in this time of turmoil.”
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