GOP panel to summon National Security Advisor Sullivan on Afghanistan withdrawal

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mike McCaul has taken a firm stance regarding the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan, which occurred in 2021. In a letter addressed to the White House, McCaul expressed his intention to summon National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to testify publicly about the withdrawal process. He emphasized that there are still significant questions surrounding the events, particularly concerning the National Security Council's involvement in overriding the responsibilities typically held by the State and Defense Departments. The chaotic withdrawal culminated in a tragic incident on August 26, 2021, when a terrorist attack at Kabul's airport resulted in the deaths of thirteen U.S. service members. This event, known as the Abbey Gate bombing, highlighted the dangers and complexities involved in the final stages of the military exit from Afghanistan. McCaul has labeled Sullivan as the "principal architect" of the withdrawal, indicating that he holds Sullivan accountable for the decisions made during this critical period. McCaul's letter set a deadline of August 30 for Sullivan to voluntarily agree to testify. If Sullivan does not comply, McCaul has indicated he will take steps to compel his testimony. This move reflects a broader concern among Republican lawmakers regarding the administration's handling of the withdrawal and the implications it has had for U.S. foreign policy and national security. The call for testimony underscores the ongoing scrutiny of the Biden administration's actions in Afghanistan, as lawmakers seek to understand the decision-making processes that led to the withdrawal and the subsequent fallout. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant ramifications for future U.S. military engagements and diplomatic strategies.