MPs hear from General David Petraeus as Afghanistan inquiry continues

Purpose of the session

The session, part of the Committee’s inquiry into Afghanistan, will see two panels held. The first is likely to see MPs seek Gen. Petraeus’ views on how the withdrawal from Afghanistan and evacuation effort from Kabul could have been better managed, the lessons learnt from the collapse of Afghan forces, and the relationship between the UK and US, as well as the impact of the withdrawal on NATO’s reputation. The session is also likely to look ahead to the future of Afghanistan and the threat of global terrorism originating in the country.  The second panel is likely to cover the mental health implications of the withdrawal for members of the armed services.

Following his 2010-11 assignment as Commander of the International Security Assistance Force and Commander, U.S. Forces – Afghanistan, Gen. Petraeus served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 2011-12. Representatives from Combat Stress and Help for Heroes will be appearing. Veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress was founded over 100 years ago, and provides specialist treatment and support for those with complex mental health issues from every service and conflict. Help for Heroes is a charity providing life-long support to service personnel wounded or injured in the line of duty, and to their families.

Witnesses

Tuesday 23 November

At 2.30pm

• General David Petraeus (ret.), Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan (2010-11)

At 3.30pm

• Jeff Harrison, Interim CEO, Combat Stress
• Sarah Jones, Head of Psychological Wellbeing, Help for Heroes

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: Central Intelligence Agency