A German parliamentary committee has called for structural corrections in the wake of the Bundeswehr’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. The withdrawal, while orderly, was marked by uncertainties, particularly in the local force deployment process, according to the committee’s chair, Ralf Stegner (SPD), at the presentation of the final report in Berlin.
The committee has identified a need for improved intelligence work, with Stegner stating that the findings of the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) were not always sufficient. Additionally, the committee has called for an “end to departmental thinking” suggesting a more holistic approach to future operations.
For future deployments, the committee is urging “preparations for the worst-case scenario.” Stegner emphasized that one should not rely solely on the most optimistic scenarios, but rather be prepared for the unexpected.
The committee was established in July 2022 to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Bundeswehr’s withdrawal and the military evacuation operation from Kabul in August 2021. The Taliban’s rapid capture of the capital following the withdrawal of international forces was a surprise to many. The committee has heard testimony from numerous witnesses, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and her successor, Olaf Scholz (SPD).