UK and Poland condemn US defense secretary over Afghanistan remarks
The short version
- Pete Hegseth suggested only a few NATO countries actively participated in fighting in Afghanistan.
- Downing Street stated Hegseth was wrong to diminish the role of allied forces in the conflict.
- The UK government emphasized the sacrifices made by British troops during the Afghanistan campaign.
- Poland joined the UK in condemning Hegseth's remarks about NATO allies' involvement.
- Hegseth made the comments during a speech at the University of Tennessee.
What we don’t know yet
- Which specific NATO countries Hegseth referred to as having active combat roles.
- The exact wording of Hegseth's speech regarding allied contributions.
- Whether the US government will formally respond to the criticism from UK and Poland.
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Coverage compared
Left · 2
Centre · 2
How coverage grew
First reported by Daily Mail ‘More than 450 Brits never returned’: No10 rebukes US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for mocking contribution of allied troops in Afghanistan
Daily Mirror Downing Street hits backs at US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over Afghanistan comments - ‘wrong’
Politico Europe UK and Poland accuse Hegseth of downplaying allies’ role in Afghanistan
The Guardian Hegseth wrong to say most non-US Nato forces in Afghanistan did not fight, says No 10
All 6 articles
- GB News, right-leaningDowning Street hits back at Pete Hegseth after ‘diminishing role’ of Britain in Afghanistan
- The Hill, centreHegseth ‘wrong’ to diminish NATO role in Afghanistan: UK prime minister’s office
- The Guardian, left-leaningHegseth wrong to say most non-US Nato forces in Afghanistan did not fight, says No 10
- Politico Europe, centreUK and Poland accuse Hegseth of downplaying allies’ role in Afghanistan
- Daily Mirror, left-leaningDowning Street hits backs at US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over Afghanistan comments - ‘wrong’
- Daily Mail, right-leaning‘More than 450 Brits never returned’: No10 rebukes US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for mocking contribution of allied troops in Afghanistan