Retired US generals blamed the Biden administration for the chaotic evacuation of Kabul, citing inadequate planning and delayed orders. They highlighted the military's advice to maintain 2,500 service members in Afghanistan for stability and concerns about the state department's slow response. The White House's internal review shifted blame to the military and cited sufficient resources to mitigate threats. The chaotic evacuation resulted in the Taliban's control of Afghanistan and significant changes for the population, including the loss of rights for women and girls.
Retired top US generals blamed the Biden administration for the chaotic evacuation of Afghanistan, citing inadequate planning and delayed orders. They highlighted the military's advice to maintain 2,500 service members in Afghanistan for stability and concerns about the State Department's slow response. The chaos resulted in the tragic deaths of 13 US service members and the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, leading to significant changes for the population. The White House's internal review attributed the chaotic withdrawal to constraints from previous agreements and shifted blame for the Kabul airport suicide bombing to the US military.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin faced questioning from lawmakers about the lack of transparency regarding his hospitalization earlier this year, expressing accountability for the lack of notification but also stating that he expected his staff to handle it. The Pentagon's timeline revealed that his chief of staff waited until Jan. 4 to inform the president and Congress due to concerns about medical privacy laws and a lack of written guidance. Lawmakers expressed frustration over the delayed notification, calling for consequences, but President Biden has indicated he accepts Austin's explanation and is not considering his removal.
Russian President Vladimir Putin took a flight in a nuclear-capable strategic bomber, showcasing Russia's military might ahead of the upcoming election. The flight, in a Tu-160M supersonic bomber, was seen as a message to the West amid tensions over Ukraine. Putin, running as an independent candidate, has a strong grip on Russia's political system, with little opposition due to jailed critics and restricted media. His reelection is virtually assured, with the flight serving as a display of strength and leadership.
Russian President Vladimir Putin took a flight in a nuclear-capable strategic bomber, showcasing Russia's military might ahead of the upcoming election. The flight is seen as a message to the West amid tensions over Ukraine, and Putin's reelection is all but assured due to his tight control over Russia's political system and the absence of prominent challengers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin flew a Tupolev Tu-160M strategic bomber during a visit to the Kazan Aviation Plant in Tatarstan, likely as a campaign stunt ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The modernized bomber, equipped with two internal bomb bays capable of carrying cruise or short-range nuclear missiles, took off for a 30-minute flight, with Putin praising its "excellent equipment" upon landing. This event comes amid heightened tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced his top general, Valery Zaluzhny, with senior ground forces commander Oleksandr Syrsky in a significant military shake-up. The move comes amid struggles to replenish ammunitions and political infighting over funding for Ukraine's defense. Zelenskyy's decision follows speculation of disagreements over war strategy and Zaluzhny's political ambitions. Syrsky, credited with preventing Russian troops from taking over Kyiv, faces concerns about troop support due to his willingness to sacrifice lives on the front lines. Despite concerns, the U.S. National Security Council expressed confidence in Ukraine's stability following the change.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is considering dismissing the country's top military officer, Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, as part of a broader leadership shakeup, causing shock and concern among the nation and its Western allies. Zelenskyy's comments have sparked uproar in Ukraine and delighted the Kremlin, as the war against Russia approaches its second anniversary. The potential ouster of the highly respected general comes amid tensions between him and the president over military strategy and Western assistance, risking morale degradation at a critical time in the conflict.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is considering replacing the country's top military officer, Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, citing the need for a new beginning and unified leadership. Tensions between Zelenskyy and Zaluzhnyi have been rising amid ammunition and personnel shortages, with the president expressing concerns about a failed summer counteroffensive and the military's request for mobilization. The potential dismissal has caused uproar in Ukraine and raised concerns among Western allies, while Russia has welcomed the news, highlighting divisions in Ukrainian leadership.
President Biden solemnly witnessed the dignified transfer of three Army Reserve soldiers killed in a drone attack by an Iranian-backed militia in Jordan. The solemn ceremony, which marks the first U.S. casualties of the current conflict in the Middle East, involved the flag-draped transfer cases being ceremonially removed from the plane and then driven to the medical examiner’s unit for a full autopsy. The fallen soldiers' families also met with Mr. Biden in a private room before the transfer.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin took responsibility for the lack of transparency surrounding his secret hospitalization at Walter Reed Medical Center, acknowledging that he could have done a better job informing the public and officials. The public and Congress were only made aware of his hospitalization five days after he was admitted, and top White House officials, including President Biden, were reportedly informed three days later. Senator Tom Cotton called for consequences if the reports of the White House being kept out of the loop were true, emphasizing the crucial role of the Secretary of Defense in the chain of command. Austin gave no further details on the complications that led to his hospitalization but expressed his commitment to doing better in terms of disclosure.
The US Navy has become the third branch of the military to lack a Senate-confirmed leader, as Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville continues to block military nominations. Retiring Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday relinquished command, leaving the Navy, Army, and Marine Corps without confirmed leaders. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called the situation unprecedented, unnecessary, and unsafe. President Joe Biden has nominated Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, which would make her the first woman to command the service and become a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff if confirmed. Tuberville's hold is based on his objection to the Pentagon using government funding for travel costs related to abortions for service members and their dependents.
