House Committee Subpoenas Blinken on Afghanistan Withdrawal Testimony

The House Foreign Affairs Committee has issued a subpoena to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, requiring him to testify on September 19 regarding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. This action follows a request made by the committee's chairman, Rep. Michael McCaul, who emphasized Blinken's role as the final decision maker in the withdrawal process. The committee aims to gather insights that could inform potential legislative reforms to prevent similar mistakes in the future. During previous hearings, Blinken defended the State Department's actions and expressed condolences for the losses experienced by families affected by the withdrawal. He highlighted the department's cooperation with the committee, including facilitating interviews with current and former officials involved in the withdrawal. However, the committee has faced challenges in securing a hearing date, leading to the issuance of the subpoena after the State Department failed to confirm a date despite multiple requests. The committee has received documents related to the withdrawal, although the State Department previously declined to provide a dissent channel cable due to privacy concerns. This cable allows employees to express policy disagreements confidentially. Following a subpoena, the department permitted committee members to view the document, which McCaul indicated contained valid criticisms that the administration should have heeded. The upcoming testimony is part of a broader effort by the committee to understand the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal and to ensure accountability. The committee plans to release its report on the withdrawal on September 9, which will likely inform discussions on future U.S. foreign policy and legislative measures.