Staff Reports
The recent attack near the White House serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of misguided policies. Two National Guard troops were shot in what officials are investigating as a terrorist incident. The alleged assailant, a 29-year-old Afghan national named Rak Manula Lanwal, arrived in the United States during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. This deeply troubling event raises serious questions about the safety and effectiveness of America’s immigration and foreign policies.
Lanwal’s ambush, where he reportedly fired at the soldiers while shouting a phrase reminiscent of a terrorist rallying cry, underscores alarming flaws in the current administration’s approach to national security. The backdrop of this incident is steeped in the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, a move that many believe was poorly executed. Under President Biden’s direction, the U.S. not only left Afghanistan vulnerable to Taliban takeover but also hastily opened the doors to thousands of Afghan refugees—most of whom were not properly vetted. This decision not only created a chaotic situation abroad but also brought security risks to American soil.
Data reveals that approximately 90,000 Afghans entered the United States under the Operation Allies Refuge and Operation Allies Welcome initiatives. In the wake of such large-scale immigration, it is unsurprising that concerns over security and vetting have arisen. Reports have already shown that 55 Afghan evacuees were found on the terrorist watch list. This figure hints at a broader issue: when a government rapidly expands immigration from regions with a history of terrorism, it becomes inevitable that some individuals with nefarious intentions may slip through the cracks.
The situation in Afghanistan and the resulting American refugee crisis was further complicated by a lack of clarity surrounding who qualifies as an ally. In real terms, it’s essential to differentiate between those who risked their lives alongside U.S. forces and those who may intend harm. The indiscriminate entry of individuals into the country without thorough vetting further complicates the broader narrative of America’s responsibility towards those fleeing war-torn regions.
Biden’s administration must reckon with the consequences of its policies. With the hasty exit from Afghanistan and the unvetted influx of individuals from a region that has historically been a haven for terrorists, the administration has created a perfect storm for security risks at home. It is critical for policymakers to recognize that mass migration from countries that harbor anti-American sentiments can indeed lead to tragic outcomes, as seen in this recent attack on our armed forces.
As the nation reflects on this disturbing incident, it’s evident that America cannot afford to be naive about national security, especially as the global landscape becomes increasingly complex. Policymakers must prioritize vetting processes and ensure that U.S. immigration laws protect the nation from those who would do it harm. The safety of American citizens and service members must always come first, and there is little room for error in an age where threats can come from unexpected places. In short, failures in leadership deserve accountability, and the American people must demand it.
