Human rights situation ignored as Trump and Biden spar over Afghanistan
Donald Trump's critique of the US withdrawal from the country was focused on the loss of American lives and prestige. But as he and Joe Biden rowed during Thursday's presidential debate, they were silent about the ongoing impact on Afghanistan's people.
Friday 28 June 2024 14:00, UK
In a debate that was at times excruciating to watch, there were a few moments that had me sitting up.
About eight minutes into the 90-minute face-off, Donald Trump attacked Joe Biden for his handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
He described it as "the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country", accusing Mr Biden of leaving behind "billions of dollars worth of equipment" to the Taliban and being responsible for the killing of "13 beautiful soldiers" after an ISIS-K suicide bomber attacked Kabul airport amid the chaotic evacuation.
As Mr Biden listened to 's blistering attack, he at times looked bewildered but was unable to interrupt because his microphone was turned off.
Mr Trump also linked the botched Afghanistan exit to the war in Ukraine, saying Russia's Vladimir Putin was emboldened to invade by the incompetence and weakness displayed in the summer of 2021.
Mr Trump said: "This was his dream, he would never have invaded Ukraine, and frankly Israel would never have been invaded by Hamas, not in a million years… the whole world is blowing up under him."
Mr Biden hit back, saying: "I never heard so much malarkey in my whole life", as he attempted to defend his record.
It is impossible to know how Mr Trump would have handled the extrication from Afghanistan.
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
After all, it was his administration that signed the Doha deal with the Taliban that committed the US to withdraw by a date certain in 2021.
What is clear is that Mr Biden's approval rating plunged amid the chaos that summer and has never recovered.
Read more:
The loophole that could force Biden out
Excruciating Biden debate performance
Key moments from Trump v Biden
Also notable is what neither presidential candidate mentioned in their back-and-forth: the human rights situation in Afghanistan or the fate of the Afghan people, including the millions of Afghan women and girls who have been shut out of education, employment and public life.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Mr Trump's critique was focused exclusively on the loss of American lives and prestige, remaining silent on the question of its values and principles, or any responsibility Washington still has to its allies in a 20-year war left behind.