Congressman Palazzo Reacts to Taliban Advances in Afghanistan

Statement

Washington, DC - Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement in reaction to the Taliban's recent advances in Afghanistan.

"President Biden's decision to remove troops from Afghanistan is reminiscent of what President Obama considered to be the 'worst mistake' of his presidency. Like the Obama administration's costly lack of foresight in Libya, President Biden has failed to plan for the repercussions of his hasty decision.

"In February of 2020, The United States and the Taliban agreed to a ceasefire while U.S. forces evacuated the country. The agreement promised the removal of American troops only if the Taliban abided by stringent conditions for peace. The extremists broke this agreement and overnight began to retake major Afghan cities. President Biden took the word of a violent insurgency that is responsible for brutally taking thousands of American and allied lives, and unfortunately, his decision will only cost more lives.

"The Taliban has directly violated the spirit of our ceasefire by targeting and attacking innocent civilians. Pulling the American presence from the region now leaves the Afghan people at the mercy of the group who has proven to be an enemy of democracy.

"This is looking like Vietnam's Fall of Saigon. Just like the Viet-Kong, the Taliban are waiting for the United States to leave before wreaking havoc on those who cooperated with the United States and our allies.

"Thousands of American service members' lives were lost fighting in Afghanistan. President Biden's order is a disservice to those who have served in the name of democracy and freedom, by allowing the Taliban to unravel the progress toward long-term stability made possible by American troops. My heart aches for the families who will watch as their loved one's ultimate sacrifice is made futile by a single political move.

"President Biden's decision to withdraw troops is not only premature and dangerous, but entirely politically motivated. Make no mistake, because of the current administration's insistence on decision making based on a liberal political agenda rather than the preservation of life and democracy, the Taliban will wreak terror."

As a member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee, a member of the Mississippi National Guard, and a Persian Gulf War veteran, Congressman Steven Palazzo has dedicated his efforts in Congress to safeguarding our national security and honoring the sacrifices made by our men and women in the military in the name of democracy and freedom.

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