By The South Asia Times 

WASHINGTON - The transition team of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly working on a controversial initiative to investigate the chaotic withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan in 2021. According to a report by NBC News, Trump’s team is compiling a list of current and former senior U.S. military officers directly involved in the withdrawal to determine whether they could face charges, including court-martial.

Commission to Investigate Afghanistan Withdrawal

The Trump team is exploring the establishment of a commission to scrutinize the planning and execution of the Afghanistan withdrawal. The investigation would focus on identifying decision-makers responsible for what has been described as a "disrespectful" exit, examining the operational failures, and assessing potential legal accountability for those involved.

A U.S. official and a source familiar with the matter told NBC News that the effort is being taken "very seriously." The initiative is reportedly being led by Matt Flynn, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense for counternarcotic and global threats, who is spearheading the research and groundwork for the proposed commission.

Republican Criticism of the Afghanistan Withdrawal

The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan marked the end of a 20-year military presence that began in October 2001 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. However, the exit, completed in August 2021, has been widely criticized for its chaotic execution, including the rapid collapse of the Afghan government, the Taliban's swift takeover, and the harrowing scenes at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport.

Republican lawmakers have been particularly vocal in blaming the Biden administration for what they call a "failed" and "disastrous" withdrawal. The rushed evacuation led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members in a suicide bombing and left thousands of Afghan allies and civilians scrambling to flee the country.

Potential Charges and Accountability

The Trump team’s proposed investigation aims to hold military leaders accountable for their roles in the withdrawal, potentially considering charges of dereliction of duty or even treason. Such a move would be unprecedented in modern U.S. history and would likely face significant legal and political challenges.

Broader Implications of the Effort

The initiative to investigate military leaders comes amid broader debates over accountability in the Afghanistan withdrawal. While critics of the Biden administration have pointed to failures in strategy and execution, others have noted that the challenges stemmed from longstanding issues across multiple administrations.

A Polarizing Proposal

The proposed investigation is already generating controversy, with opponents arguing that it risks undermining the nonpartisan nature of the U.S. military. Critics warn that targeting military officers for decisions made under civilian leadership could set a dangerous precedent.

Supporters, however, argue that the withdrawal warrants thorough scrutiny to ensure accountability and to prevent similar failures in the future.

As Trump’s transition team advances this effort, questions remain about the scope, legality, and political implications of such an investigation. If implemented, the commission could become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the legacy of the Afghanistan War and the responsibilities of military and civilian leaders in its conclusion.

The story of the Afghanistan withdrawal continues to cast a long shadow over U.S. foreign policy and military strategy, and this proposed investigation highlights the enduring complexity and controversy surrounding America’s longest war.