Former National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster has criticized the Biden-Harris administration, asserting that it is in a state of denial regarding the ramifications of the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which he describes as disastrous and marked by substantial loss of life among U.S. service members. During an appearance on “America’s Newsroom,” McMaster stated, “We are still dealing with what I would call the stain of August 2021,” referring to the fallout from the withdrawal that allowed the Taliban to reclaim power and resulted in the deaths of 13 American soldiers. He emphasized that the consequences are broad-reaching, including the rise in jihadist terrorist organizations within the region.

Notably, August 26, 2021, marks three years since the tragic suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport, orchestrated by Islamic State terrorists, which resulted not only in American casualties but also in the death of over 100 Afghan civilians. McMaster stated that the Biden administration has created a false narrative about distinctions between the Taliban and other terrorist factions, which he believes contributes to the current threat landscape.

In his comments, McMaster connected the disarray of the Afghanistan withdrawal to subsequent geopolitical events, particularly highlighting the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. He noted that, in light of the circumstances surrounding the U.S. exit, President Vladimir Putin may have perceived a moment of weakness, stating, “Putin looked at us leaving in such disarray, in such a humiliating fashion, and said, ‘These guys are finished… and I’m going to have my way with Ukraine.’”

Co-anchor of “America’s Newsroom,” Dana Perino, highlighted the setback faced by women in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power. Reportedly, recent Taliban regulations have enforced restrictions on women’s public appearances, further exacerbating issues of human rights in the region, to which the Biden administration has reportedly responded with silence.

McMaster condemned the administration’s handling of the withdrawal, asserting, “These are people that were extolling various rights associated with their own view of human rights, and then abandoned the Afghan people. They threw them under the bus.” He characterized the U.S. withdrawal as a form of surrender, stating, “I think what’s most disconcerting about this period of time, is we negotiated a withdraw… a surrender, essentially, as I would call it. A self-defeat, at least.” McMaster’s statements continue to draw attention to the complexities and consequences of the U.S. foreign policy decisions regarding Afghanistan.

The Associated Press has contributed to this report.

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