**Oklahoma Senator Blocks Promotion of General Tied to U.S. Afghan Withdrawal**

In a controversial move, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, has impeded the promotion of Army Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, who oversaw the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The announcement comes amid tensions and criticisms about the chaotic nature of the 2021 exit, which ended America’s 20-year presence in the region.

President-elect Donald Trump had previously hinted at severe repercussions for military officials linked to the turbulent pullout, including threats of termination and potential court-martial proceedings. As Trump's transition team continues to deliberate over these actions, the blockage by Sen. Mullin places further stress on the already tense situation.

Lt. Gen. Donahue, who was nominated for a four-star general position to lead U.S. Army forces in Europe, found his advancement stalled by the senator. According to a Senate aide, his nomination was part of a larger list comprising over 900 submissions sent to the Senate for approval. Yet, Donahue's name stands out due to its association with the controversial Afghanistan withdrawal.

In a defining moment captured in a viral night-vision photograph, Donahue was the last American soldier to depart on the final U.S. military flight from Kabul. At that time, he was the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, tasked with overseeing the exit of U.S. forces, American embassy workers, and Afghan allies following the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan.

Retired Gen. Tony Thomas, who formerly led the Special Operations Command, publicly condemned the blockade, describing it as a "disgrace." Criticizing the move on social media, Thomas argued that using military promotions as collateral damage in political gamesmanship is unjustifiable.

As the Senate prepares to go into recess and the new Republican-controlled Congress commences operations in 2025, the fate of Donahue's promotion hangs precariously. The incident highlights the ongoing political and military fallout from America's protracted involvement in Afghanistan and underscores the deep divides within U.S. leadership on how to address past military engagements.