Kamala Harris Isn't In Charge Of Afghan Evacuation

MENA: A variety of professionals are working for the safe evacuation of Americans and their allies from Afghanistan. One such person is the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ross Wilson. According to the National Museum of American Diplomacy, “An ambassador is the President’s highest-ranking representative to a specific nation or international organization abroad.” Wilson will be reporting to the Presidential appointed U.S. Secretary of State. Among its varied missions, the U.S. State Department is responsible for assisting American citizens abroad. 

Outside of the United States, Diplomatic Security (DS), part of the U.S. Department of State, also plays a vital role in protecting U.S. embassies and personnel overseas, securing critical information systems, investigating passport and visa fraud, and fighting terrorism. Marine Security Guards, working in coordination with DS personnel, protect many U.S. diplomatic and consular faculties abroad including in Afghanistan.  

Right now, there are also about 4,500 troops at the airport in Kabul to help evacuate Americans. This includes members of the U.S. Air Force to help keep the runways operational and the U.S. Marines to help people reach the planes safely and a joint active-duty force charged with providing for the safety of the evacuation. According to NPR, a two-star admiral who was based at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul will oversee the U.S. military's role in securing the American diplomatic presence in Kabul, including defending the Kabul airport. The admiral will report to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). 

All of the aforementioned groups and professionals ultimately report to the Commander and Chief, President Joe Biden. According to Harris regarding the President and Afghanistan: “The decision always rests with him but I have seen him over and over again make decisions based exactly on what he believes is right.”

Harris will be playing a behind the scenes role related to Afghanistan. This week, the Vice President will be visiting Singapore and Vietnam and she will face pressure to convince South Asian allies that the U.S. is committed and capable of successful long-term relations in light of the crisis in Afghanistan according to CNN.com.