In a recent government meeting, a former official expressed strong criticism regarding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, labeling it \"the most embarrassing, horrible event in the history of our country.\" The official argued that this event had far-reaching consequences, including emboldening Russia's actions in Ukraine.

The discussion highlighted the belief that had the U.S. maintained its military presence in Afghanistan, particularly at Bagram Airfield, the subsequent geopolitical landscape would have been markedly different. The official emphasized that the withdrawal led to significant losses, including the deaths of 13 service members and many others suffering from severe injuries.

The former official also pointed to the perception of U.S. weakness by global leaders, suggesting that figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping viewed the U.S. as a \"paper tiger\" following the withdrawal. This perception, according to the official, contributed to Putin's decision to invade Ukraine, which the official described as a significant loss of life and cultural heritage for the Ukrainian people.

The meeting underscored a sentiment of regret over the handling of the Afghanistan situation, with the official asserting that different decisions could have prevented the current crises and potentially mitigated inflation and other domestic issues. The remarks reflect ongoing debates about U.S. foreign policy and its implications for national security and international relations.