Episodes
Afghanistan: Getting Out Episode 2 airs Sun 21 August on BBC Two
In the second episode, important figures on all sides, including US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad, Trump’s Chief of Staff John Kelly, President Ghani’s National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib, John Bolton, and National Security Adviser, provide a rare insight into the dramatic events that took place behind the scenes and contributed to Kabul’s fall in 2021. This is the inside story of how two US Presidents with very different political views and styles came to the same decision to leave Afghanistan, regardless of the repercussions.
The episode begins with President Trump coming to power on a promise to bring all American troops back home. Having initially been persuaded by his Chief of Staff, General John Kelly, to reverse his position and deploy more troops to Afghanistan, the programme details Trump’s decision to backtrack when he decides again he wants troops out.
Further in the episode, John Bolton describes how, against his will, Trump appointed Ambassador Khalizad to start direct negotiations with the Taliban. Determined to get a result, some of the contributors recall how Khalizad cut out President Ghani’s government and agreed to a unilateral withdrawal, leaving the Afghans aghast.
As President Biden comes to power, this episode of Afghanistan: Getting Out addresses his decision to stick to Trump’s deal and the dramatic events of 15 August 2021 as the Taliban entered Kabul, resulting in the terrifying scenes that shocked audiences across the world.
Airdate: Sunday 21 August 2022 at 9.00pm on BBC Two.
Season 1 Episode 2