Vice President Kamala Harris, a contender in the 2024 presidential election, has maintained a firm stance on the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. During her tenure, Harris consistently supported the decision, aligning herself with President Joe Biden, who endorsed her presidential campaign.
Harris has been vocal about her opposition to the deprivation of Afghan women and girls of their fundamental rights, particularly regarding access to education and employment. She has repeatedly criticized the Taliban for failing to meet U.S. expectations on human rights issues.
“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris stated on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing gratitude for Biden’s support and acknowledging his leadership.
Harris endorsed the plan to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan. In April 2021, she disclosed that she was the last person President Biden consulted before deciding to pull all U.S. troops from the country. Amid the chaotic withdrawal in August 2021, Harris emphasized the administration’s focus on evacuating American citizens and vulnerable Afghans, including women and children.
Harris has also expressed her regret over the deteriorating situation for Afghan women and girls under Taliban rule. On December 26, 2021, she criticized the Taliban’s treatment of women, highlighting human rights and counter-terrorism as primary U.S. concerns in discussions with the group.
Afghan citizens have called on Harris to prioritize the plight of women and girls. “The demands of the people of Afghanistan should be considered. Schools and universities should be reopened,” said one resident. Another Kabul citizen urged attention to human rights violations, employment, and the education of children deprived of schooling.
At 59, Harris continues to break barriers as the first woman to serve as Vice President of the United States. Her tenure has been marked by her advocacy for human rights and a firm stance on Afghanistan’s ongoing challenges.
