The Biden administration's $2.35 bn investment in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan has become a contentious issue in the 2024 presidential race, with Republican candidate Nikki Haley pledging to cease all U.S. aid to the country. The Afghanistan situation, along with the Biden administration's handling of the 2021 evacuation, has become a focal point for Republican candidates aiming to showcase their foreign policy credentials, Etilaatroz reported.
Republican candidates' stances
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley has unequivocally declared her intention to halt U.S. aid to Afghanistan, labelling it a "terrorist regime" responsible for the deaths of American troops and the mistreatment of its citizens.
“When I’m president, we won’t send one penny to terrorists and countries that hate America,”
former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley told the Washington Free Beacon on August 9. The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Biden administration's ongoing aid to the country have prompted a strong response from the GOP's 2024 field.
Former Vice President Mike Pence and former President Donald Trump have also criticised the Biden administration's actions in Afghanistan, blaming it for the Taliban's resurgence and power grab. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has voiced concerns about the botched U.S. withdrawal, though he has yet to focus significantly on foreign policy matters.
Nikki Haley's statements stand out as some of the most definitive from a Republican candidate regarding future U.S. policy towards Afghanistan. She has also expressed intentions to cut foreign aid to countries that "hate America," which includes Iraq, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Belarus, and Cuba. Her proposal extends to reducing U.S. contributions to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, known for operating in Palestinian territories and employing individuals sympathetic to terrorists.
While domestic concerns and economic issues remain pivotal for voters, foreign policy has gained prominence due to the Afghanistan withdrawal and ongoing aid to Ukraine in its conflict against Russia. The mishandling of the Afghan withdrawal has had a negative impact on President Joe Biden's poll numbers. The Afghanistan issue has resonated with the public, and it is expected to remain a central point of discussion as Republican candidates and the Republican-controlled House delve into investigations regarding the withdrawal.
Expert opinions
Experts in foreign policy and national security acknowledge Afghanistan's significance in the upcoming election. Richard Goldberg, a former White House National Security Council member, emphasised that the Afghanistan withdrawal influences debates on topics like U.S. strength, Russian actions in Ukraine, Chinese threats, the situation in Iran, and rising terrorism threats emanating from Afghanistan itself.
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