British MP Tom Tugendhat fought in Afghanistan himself. In a speech he reported on how the current developments affect him – and created a special moment in Parliament.
Whether in Germany, the USA or the UK – the dramatic situation in Afghanistan is preoccupying politicians all over the world. The governments that have withdrawn their soldiers from the country must be accused of underestimating the situation. The escalation in Afghanistan was also an issue in the British House of Commons.
While most politicians only know Afghanistan from reports or at most brief visits, Tom Tugendhat, MP for the Conservative Party, knows exactly what he is talking about. Tugendhat himself was stationed in Afghanistan as a soldier, and later the 48-year-old also worked as a civilian in the country before he was elected to the British Parliament. There he gave an emotional speech this week on the advance of the Taliban, his personal experiences in Afghanistan and the failings of the West.
British veteran remembers time in Afghanistan
He followed the events of the past few days with “anger, sadness and anger,” said the veteran in his address. This week “wounds tore open”, said Tugendhat in thoughts of his fallen comrades: “I saw good men go underground who took part of me and part of all of us with them.” For him and many others who worked there during the conflict – such as humanitarian aid workers or journalists – Afghanistan is not a distant country.
He experienced how great the joy of families was when their daughters were allowed to go to school. He didn’t really understand it until his own daughter started school. Even after years, Tugendhat still pursues a different picture: a father who desperately brought his dead child to the soldiers. “This is a picture to which this eternal war, which has just been reignited, could lead again,” warned the visibly moved MP. The feeling of not being able to help felt like a defeat for him at the time – just like now having to watch the Taliban regain power in Afghanistan.
Sharp criticism of US President Joe Biden
Tugendhat harshly criticized US President Joe Biden for questioning the courage of the Afghan army. That was “shameful,” said the veteran, while he seemed to be fighting back tears: “Those who have not fought for their flag themselves should be careful to criticize those who did so.” Biden had said in an interview: “It just seemed impossible for 300,000 soldiers to surrender without a fight.”
There was an embarrassed silence in the House of Commons during Tugendhat’s speech. In the end, however, some MPs responded with an unusual gesture: they applauded Tugendhat. In the British Parliament, applause for a speech is extremely rare and, according to the rules of the house, actually not desired.
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