US to Conclude Review of Afghanistan Withdrawal by Summer 2026
The United States Department of Defense has announced that its internal review of the military withdrawal from Afghanistan will be completed by the summer of 2026.
Kingsley Wilson, a spokesperson for the department, said in a recent press briefing that the findings will be released with minimal censorship to ensure Americans have full transparency about what occurred during the withdrawal. He emphasized the Pentagon’s commitment to openness throughout the process.
The review is being led by Sean Parnell, a senior advisor to the Secretary of Defense and a former Afghanistan war veteran. The Pentagon stated that Parnell is taking a responsible approach to ensuring accountability to the American public. The department described the review as a way to honor the contributions of U.S. service members.
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, under the administration of President Joe Biden, sparked widespread domestic and international criticism. The exit coincided with the sudden collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban’s return to power. The chaotic evacuation at Kabul airport culminated in one of the deadliest incidents, when a suicide bombing killed 13 American troops and at least 170 Afghan civilians.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly condemned Biden’s handling of the pullout, calling it one of the “most shameful moments in the country’s history.” He has particularly criticized the management of the evacuation process.
Following the U.S. withdrawal, thousands of Afghans who had worked with American forces were left behind. Many are now facing threats under Taliban rule. Nonetheless, the Trump administration has recently suspended the processing of visa and refugee applications for these individuals, indicating that this freeze will remain in place for an extended period.
