US Senator blocks General’s promotion over Afghanistan withdrawal

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma has placed a hold on the promotion of Lieutenant General Christopher Donahue, who oversaw the final withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021.

According to a CBS News report, Mullin’s action is intended to allow President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration and the newly Republican-controlled Congress to weigh in on the matter.

Donahue, the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan, was set to be promoted to a four-star general and take command of US Army Europe.

His promotion is part of nearly 1,000 military nominations awaiting Senate approval. By delaying the process, Mullin has effectively stalled Donahue’s elevation, citing concerns tied to his role in the contentious withdrawal from Afghanistan.

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The 2021 withdrawal, executed under an agreement between the Trump administration and the Taliban, aimed to end America’s two-decade presence in the country. The agreement required the Taliban to refrain from terrorist activities, a condition they ultimately violated.

Despite this, the Biden administration proceeded with the withdrawal, which saw the evacuation of approximately 125,000 individuals, including 6,000 Americans. The operation was overshadowed by a suicide bombing outside Kabul’s Hamid Karzai Airport that killed 13 US service members and scores of Afghans.

Some military officials have, however, expressed frustration over Mullin’s hold, viewing it as politically motivated with efforts reportedly underway to resolve the standoff and secure Donahue’s promotion.

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