The events that have unfolded in Afghanistan over the past few weeks have been devastating.

As American troops withdraw, the U.S. supported Afghan government have collapsed, and the

nation's biggest cities are under control of the Taliban, a militant group.

The U.S. and allies are trying to evacuate U.S. citizens, Afghan allies, their families,

and many others fearing for their lives in the war-torn country.

Although this nearly 20-year-long war has been led by four presidents, the responsibility

of this withdrawal has fallen on the shoulders of one, President Biden.

Biden sold himself as the perfect, even-handed, experienced leader to undo Trump's foreign

policy missteps.

But his push to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, the rapid pace of that withdrawal, and the ensuing

chaos has called that claim into question.

Is this moment a test of Biden's competence?

And is he passing that test?

This is can you do that, a podcast that explores the powers and limitations of American government

in a time of deep division?

I'm Allison Michaels.

Later in the show, we'll talk to Washington Post White House reporter Matt Weiser about

what this moment means for Biden.

At first, we wanted to hear from someone who's been a close witness to the steady withdrawal

of U.S. troops from Afghanistan under President Trump and the shocking pace of the drawdown under

President Biden.

I come from a very apolitical background.

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