Staff Reports
Jerry Dunleavy, an investigator with the House Foreign Affairs Committee, decided to throw in the towel on what can only be described as a circus act masquerading as an investigation into the withdrawal from Afghanistan. His resignation, marked by a dramatic flourish, comes as he expresses frustration over the committee’s failure to adequately seek accountability for President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris regarding their disastrous handling of the withdrawal. It’s a stunning move that puts a spotlight on the disastrous legacy of Biden-Harris before the 2024 election.
Despite being part of a committee tasked with uncovering the ugly truths behind a botched military operation, Dunleavy’s attempts to shed light on how the administration bungled a key moment in American foreign policy were met with resistance. It appears that the committee under Chairman Michael McCaul is more concerned with putting on a show than with pursuing real answers. Dunleavy’s insistence that the committee has not met its commitments to the Abbey Gate Gold Star families—or the American public, for that matter—is an indictment of the lackadaisical approach taken towards the inquiry.
The GOP-led House Foreign Affairs Committee has been investigating the Biden-Harris Admin's disastrous & deadly Afghanistan withdrawal.@JerryDunleavy just resigned IN PROTEST from his work with this committee. He explained why to @JesseKellyDC. pic.twitter.com/RcNxS1HQ5y
— The First (@TheFirstonTV) August 13, 2024
Dunleavy’s resignation letter paints a bleak picture of what was supposed to be a rigorous investigation. He emphasizes that, instead of accountability, there has been a dereliction of duty. This is not just about individual blame; it’s about the impression that the Biden administration can get away with a series of failures—diplomatic, military, and strategic—without facing real consequences. The investigator’s focus was on finding the truth. Yet, he became frustrated with the committee’s apparent unwillingness to hold Vice President Harris accountable for her decisions, which is particularly alarming given her current status as the Democratic nominee.
The investigation’s missteps extend beyond just bureaucratic foot-dragging. Dunleavy pointed to the lenient treatment of key witnesses like Zalmay Khalilzad, suggesting the committee has become a safe haven for those who should be under scrutiny. The image of committee staff posing for selfies with Khalilzad right after his testimony struck a nerve that speaks volumes about the seriousness—or lack thereof—of the inquiry being conducted. Instead of rigorous questioning, it seems to have devolved into a friendly chat at a reunion.
The ongoing saga surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal shows how modern scandals often fall flat when accountability is avoided, and it raises significant questions about U.S. foreign policy moving forward. Dunleavy’s resignation represents more than a protest; it serves as a warning that this administration’s lack of accountability can have grave international repercussions. As the world watches, the failure to address these issues reflects not only a pattern of negligence but also a concerning precedent for how America engages on the global stage, especially when it comes to policies that have put lives at risk.
