Veterans who worked with Afghan refugees worry about National Guard attack blowback

NPRThursday, December 4, 2025 at 9:30:21 AM
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Veterans who worked with Afghan refugees worry about National Guard attack blowback
  • An Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged with critically injuring two members of the West Virginia National Guard in a shooting incident near the White House on November 26, 2025. This event has raised significant concerns among veterans who previously worked with Afghan refugees, as they fear backlash against these individuals who were once allies in the fight against the Taliban.
  • The incident has prompted veterans to scramble for ways to address the potential fallout, as they worry that the actions of one individual could lead to increased scrutiny and hostility towards Afghan refugees in the U.S. This situation highlights the complex relationship between U.S. military personnel and Afghan allies, particularly in the wake of the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
  • This shooting incident reflects broader themes of immigration policy and national security, as the U.S. government has announced a re-examination of green card holders from countries deemed 'of concern.' The incident has reignited debates over the vetting processes for Afghan refugees and the implications of such violence on public sentiment and policy towards immigration, especially in the context of rising anti-refugee sentiments.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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