In a humiliating display for the United States, the Taliban celebrated the third anniversary of their takeover in Afghanistan with a grandiose parade featuring billions of dollars worth of U.S. military equipment left behind during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal. The spectacle, held at Bagram Air Force base, serves as a stark reminder of the Biden administration’s foreign policy missteps.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) expressed outrage, stating, “This parade is a slap in the face to every American taxpayer and service member. It’s a direct result of the administration’s botched withdrawal strategy.”
The Taliban’s so-called “victory day” celebrations included a 21-gun salute and speeches from top leaders, with thousands in attendance, including foreign diplomats. The sight of U.S.-made tanks, helicopters, and Humvees being paraded by a regime known for its brutal suppression of women’s rights has drawn sharp criticism from international observers.
Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) warned, “This embarrassing display in Afghanistan could be a preview of what’s to come in Ukraine. We must ensure U.S. weapons don’t fall into the wrong hands there as well.”
The celebration comes amid ongoing global condemnation of the Taliban government for creating what many call “the world’s most serious women’s rights crisis.” Afghanistan remains the only country where girls are banned from education beyond sixth grade.
As the world watches this spectacle unfold, many are questioning the long-term consequences of U.S. foreign policy decisions and the potential for similar scenarios to play out in other conflict zones where American military equipment is present.
