FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 6, 2023
CONTACT: press@iava.org

The Biden Administration should be commended for taking a closer look at the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The fact that the report was even done marks progress from President Biden’s approach in August 2021 when the situation in Afghanistan was unraveling before the world’s eyes. 

The acknowledgement that evacuations should have started sooner is also a welcome one. However, the attempt to largely lay blame on a previous Administration ignores the fact that veterans were raising alarm bells when the current Administration took office in early 2021. 

We knew how many of our Afghan allies still needed to be evacuated – many of whom risked their lives fighting alongside US troops. We knew that the process to get them out of the country before they became targets of the Taliban was moving painfully slow. And, still today, we remain committed to getting those allies left behind in Afghanistan to safety.  

IAVA once again calls on the Biden Administration to release its plan to accomplish this important task. It will save lives. It is vital to our national security that we keep the promises that we made to those who helped us in wartime. They had our backs then, and we need to have theirs now. 

Going forward, we also look forward to seeing the work of the Afghanistan War Commission as it begins soon and this important conversation continues. What is truly needed more than anything, is an independent examination of the entire 20-year war in Afghanistan that cost thousands of Americans their lives, and not just the politicized withdrawal.

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 425,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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