German Bundestag Inquiry on Afghanistan Evacuation: A Damning Assessment
Executive Summary
The Bundestag’s Inquiry Committee on the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan has concluded that bureaucratic delays and a lack of political resolve contributed to the Bundeswehr’s (German Armed Forces) failure to act effectively in the weeks leading up to the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.
Background: Doha Agreement and US Withdrawal Timeline
- The Doha Agreement, signed between the US government and the Taliban in February 2020, provided for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan by 2021.
- The German government was not involved in the negotiations leading to the Doha Agreement.
- The agreement effectively made the Taliban a "government in waiting," according to Inquiry Committee Chairman Ralf Stegner (SPD).
German Evacuation Efforts and Chaotic Conditions
- The Bundeswehr withdrew from Afghanistan in June 2021, ahead of schedule, following US timelines.
- After the Taliban seized Kabul in a lightning offensive on August 15, 2021, Germany became involved in an international military evacuation mission.
- The evacuation was marked by chaos and dangerous conditions around Kabul’s airport.
Criticism of Government’s Handling
Political Failures:
- The Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) accused the government – led by Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) – of wishful thinking.
- Members of parliament criticized the lack of binding decisions resulting from regular meetings between state secretaries from various ministries.
Bureaucratic Delays:
- Ann-Veruschka Jurisch (FDP) cited the delayed handling of a confidential diplomatic cable sent by German Ambassador Emily Haber in Washington on August 6, 2021, as an example of sluggish bureaucratic action.
- Haber warned of a possible Taliban takeover and urged preparations for a possible crisis.
- The cable was received by the Foreign Office on August 6, but only evaluated in the Defense Ministry on August 9.
- The Federal Intelligence Service (BND) also did not review the information until Monday, August 9.
- Jurisch highlighted the need for urgent analysis and evaluation of security-related events, even during weekends.
General Conclusions
The Inquiry Committee’s findings indicate a lack of:
- Political foresight and willingness to act.
- Effective coordination between government departments.
- Timely response to warnings of a deteriorating situation.
These failures resulted in a chaotic and ineffective German evacuation mission, leaving many Afghans behind.
Potential Consequences
The Inquiry Committee’s report may have significant political and legal implications, including:
- Loss of confidence in the government’s handling of foreign policy and security matters.
- Calls for the resignation of government officials.
- Investigations into specific bureaucratic delays and potential negligence.
- Reforms to improve crisis management and inter-departmental coordination.
