WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Michael McCaul, has warned Secretary of State Antony Blinken of contempt of Congress charges if he fails to comply with a subpoena seeking a classified cable about the August 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In a letter dated Friday and released on Monday, McCaul expressed dissatisfaction with the information provided thus far regarding a “dissent channel” cable sent in July 2021 and the State Department’s response to it. The Foreign Affairs committee issued a subpoena in March, seeking access to this information.
The “dissent channel” allows the US State Department officials to directly communicate with senior officials, providing a means to express concerns or alternative viewpoints. An article published by The Wall Street Journal in August 2021 reported that the cable warned top officials about the potential collapse of Kabul shortly after the withdrawal of US troops.
The State Department has cited the need to protect the identities of those expressing dissent, stating that certain information can only be shared with senior officials. In response to McCaul’s letter, a department spokesperson emphasized the commitment to provide Congress with the necessary information while safeguarding the ability of State Department employees to carry out their duties effectively.
US State Department declares committee’s actions unnecessary
The spokesperson further expressed disappointment with the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s ongoing pursuit of the issue, although he received a classified briefing on the cable and a written summary. The department considers the committee’s actions unnecessary and unproductive.
McCaul has launched an investigation into the turbulent withdrawal from Afghanistan and subsequent events. Both Republicans and some Democrats argue that a comprehensive assessment of the chaotic operation, which resulted in the deaths of 13 US service members at Kabul’s airport, has not been adequately conducted.
The letter issued by McCaul sets a deadline of May 11 at 6:00 pm EDT (2200 GMT) for the State Department to comply with the subpoena or provide a legal justification for withholding the requested documents. The letter warns that failure to meet this obligation could result in the committee taking steps to enforce the subpoena, including holding Secretary Blinken in contempt of Congress or initiating a civil enforcement proceeding.
The standoff between the committee and the State Department underscores the ongoing scrutiny and quest for accountability surrounding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, as lawmakers seek to gain access to pertinent information to ensure a thorough understanding of the events that transpired.
