The Maui Police Department has released dramatic body cam footage showing officers evacuating residents, breaking down a cattle gate, and using garden hoses to slow down the August wildfires in Hawaii. The footage, released in compliance with a public records request, highlights the bravery of the officers who ran towards danger to save lives. The police department is currently conducting an after-action review to assess their response to the wildfires, and the body cam footage will play a crucial role in the investigation. Four individuals remain missing, while the death toll from the wildfires stands at 99.
The State Department has released an "After Action Review on Afghanistan," acknowledging mistakes made during the chaotic withdrawal from the country. The report highlights factors such as insufficient senior-level consideration of worst-case scenarios, inadequate preparation for the pressure on State Department personnel, and failures in planning and inter-agency coordination. It also emphasizes the heroic performance of State Department officials on the ground and the success of the airlift operation. The report recommends changes to improve crisis preparedness and response capabilities, including better contingency planning, communication, and support for personnel and vulnerable populations during crises. The Biden administration's willingness to learn from the experience and implement recommendations demonstrates leadership and a commitment to public service.
The White House released a 12-page review of the decision-making process behind the August 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, largely blaming the Trump administration for limiting President Biden’s options upon taking office. Republicans took issue with the White House’s characterization and previewed the aggressive oversight the Biden administration will face in the coming weeks. The document acknowledged the difficulties of the withdrawal but did not explicitly state that the administration made mistakes. The Afghanistan withdrawal is expected to become a focal point for Republicans as they ramp up their oversight powers with their relatively new House majority.
