Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel recently testified before a parliamentary inquiry into the chaotic evacuation from Kabul, reflecting on the decisions made during the withdrawal of German forces from Afghanistan.

Merkel acknowledged that while the military withdrawal was well-executed, the broader mission in Afghanistan failed to achieve its goals, particularly in promoting democracy and women's rights.

She cited a lack of cultural understanding and geopolitical miscalculations as contributing factors to this failure.

Merkel also expressed relief that the military evacuation was completed on schedule, despite the dramatic takeover of Kabul by the Taliban in August 2021. The inquiry aims to examine the decision-making processes and identify lessons for future crises.