Steve Nikoui expressed his grief and frustration on the program “On Balance” on NewsNation, targeting the administration for what he sees as clear failures that led to unnecessary loss of life.

He criticized the administration for choosing to conduct the withdrawal during Afghanistan’s peak fighting season, coinciding with the symbolic date of Sept. 11, despite its increasing risks to American troops and Afghan allies.

Deep Dive into a Father's Grief, Accusations

Over the past 14 months, Nikoui has been a frequent attendee at various congressional hearings. He has been trying to piece together the decisions that culminated in the tragedy that took his son's life.

“I think that we expect our leaders to do everything they possibly can,” Nikoui said during the broadcast. He lamented the failure of leadership that he believes led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members, including his son.

According to Nikoui, the incompetence he perceived in the administration stemmed from not adhering to the Doha Agreement's original withdrawal deadline of May 1.

He argued that a withdrawal during the Taliban’s less active period from January to May would have been safer.

Exploring The Flawed Exit Strategy And Its Consequences

Nikoui elaborated on his views regarding the timing of the withdrawal. “They didn’t follow the Doha Agreement at all,” he stated. He described the chosen withdrawal period as the peak fighting season for the Taliban, which heightened the dangers.

“So, if we would have left by the deadline of May 1, from January 1 to May 1, that was like a season that the Taliban doesn’t generally fight,” he explained. This period, according to him, would have provided a safer window for withdrawal, avoiding the later calamity.

Furthering his criticism, Nikoui highlighted a specific post-withdrawal incident, accusing the administration of killing an innocent family and then using it to deflect from the flawed withdrawal execution.

The Ongoing Struggle for Answers and Accountability

The impact of the administration’s decisions has been a continuing point of contention in discussions about U.S. foreign policy and military strategy.

Nikoui's relentless pursuit of answers has taken him deep into the corridors of power in Washington, D.C., where he has confronted officials and demanded accountability for the actions and decisions that led to his son’s death.

His appearances at hearings and interviews have painted a picture of a father seeking justice and changes in policy to prevent future tragedies similar to what his family has endured.

Public, Political Reactions to Testimony

Steve Nikoui’s public statements and testimony at congressional hearings have resonated with other military families and veterans, highlighting broader concerns about how military operations are conducted and concluded.

The discourse around the withdrawal continues to be a contentious issue, reflecting deep divides in how the end of America's longest war is perceived and analyzed.

Nikoui’s critique adds a personal and poignant layer to the ongoing debate over the decisions that led to one of the most turbulent periods in recent U.S. military history.