Antony Blinken testifies before Congress on Afghanistan withdrawal amidst controversy
- Secretary of State Antony Blinken has agreed to testify before Congress on the Afghanistan withdrawal after months of requests.
- He is set to appear on December 11, 2024, following a subpoena issued by the GOP-led House committee.
- The testimony aims to address concerns raised over the handling of the withdrawal and to ensure accountability.
In the United States, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has finally agreed to testify before the House Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021. After facing months of requests and pressure, particularly from the committee's Republican chairman, Michael McCaul, Blinken is scheduled to appear for a public hearing on December 11, 2024. His testimony follows heightened scrutiny and threats of contempt of Congress due to his previous non-compliance with a subpoena. The investigation into the circumstances of the withdrawal has been ongoing for three years, shedding light on the department’s reluctance to provide clarity on the situation. This event marks a significant moment for the committee as they aim to hold officials accountable and ensure future protocols are established to prevent similar occurrences in U.S. foreign policy.