Dear Editor,
This letter is in partial response to the half-truths leveled by Mr. Geisler in his letter of April 26 ( Lake Oconee News). It would take a much-extended essay to address his criticisms of the Biden administration’s energy, climate, and inflation policies. But your readership should be set straight on the issue of our country’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in May 2021.
It was a distressing event. And a failure of realistic intelligence community assessments. But it was then-President Trump who, in February 2020, directly negotiated with the Taliban about withdrawal, leaving out the Afghan Army in discussions.
Trump agreed to a May 1, 2021, exit of all American troops. He ordered the release of Taliban fighters, one of whom became their new leader. He drew down U.S. forces from 13,000 to 2,500. Trump wanted to invite the Taliban to Camp David on the anniversary of September 11. Do you recall that?
Trump bragged about not needing an exit strategy and refused to brief Biden’s transition team as he finally left office. Finally, Trump shut down every airbase except one, which resulted in a crippled ability to extract people and equipment safely.
Whatever one’s view of a myriad of domestic and foreign policies, we can all debate the pros and cons of both sides or the intended and unintended consequences of each of them. But we must have all the facts, not merely the cherry-picked ones.
Sincerely, B. & C. Hamilton