Remembering Abbey Gate: A Gold Star Father’s Fight for Accountability | 8.31.24
In this episode of Morning Wire, Gold Star father Steven Nikoui reflects on his personal mission to honor his son Kareem's ultimate sacrifice at Kabul's Abbey Gate during the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021. Nikoui contrasts the Biden administration's initial dismissiveness and lack of transparency surrounding Kareem's death with the compassion and respect shown by former President Trump towards Gold Star families.
The interview touches on the broader impacts of the Afghanistan withdrawal, including its potential to embolden adversaries, undermine military readiness, and take a mental health toll on veterans. Nikoui's story provides a poignant lens into the experiences of Gold Star families seeking recognition for their loved ones' service and accountability from their government.
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1-Page Summary
The personal experiences and perspectives of a Gold Star father
Steven Nikoui, a Gold Star father, shares his journey seeking recognition for his son Kareem's sacrifice at Abbegate, contrasting his experiences with two presidential administrations.
Biden administration's lack of transparency and accountability
Nikoui's son Kareem, a Marine, was killed in the Abbegate bombing in Afghanistan in 2021
Nikoui recounts losing his son Kareem, a Marine killed at Abbegate in 2021. He expresses frustration with the Biden administration's lack of communication and acknowledgment until Biden finally said Kareem's name at the 2023 State of the Union.
Nikoui was arrested at the State of the Union for calling out "Remember Abbegate"
Nikoui was arrested after calling out at the State of the Union address, though charges were later dropped. He suggests he was targeted due to his vocal Gold Star status.
Trump's consistent support for Gold Star families
Trump visited Arlington to honor Abbegate victims like Kareem
In contrast, Nikoui appreciates Trump visiting Arlington to honor soldiers like Kareem.
Trump invited Gold Star families like Nikoui to events, listened to their stories
Trump invited Nikoui and other Gold Star families to properties and rallies, listening to their stories and pledging continued support if re-elected.
Contrasting presidential responses to military sacrifices
Biden's dismissive comments about no troop deaths
Nikoui reacted strongly to Biden claiming no troops died under his watch during a debate, seeing it as dismissive of sacrifices like his son's.
Harris's lack of authentic military respect and engagement
Nikoui also criticized Kamala Harris for not showing genuine respect or appreciation for the military.
Wider implications of Afghanistan withdrawal
Weakening of America's strength and deterrence
Nikoui fears the withdrawal signaled American weakness, emboldening adversaries and undermining military credibility.
Declining military enlistment
He also cites declining enlistment rates as an alarming erosion of readiness and security.
Mental health toll on veterans
With 22 veteran suicides per day, Nikoui stresses the need for more mental health support for those psychologically impacted by events like Abbegate.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The Biden administration may have had reasons for their communication approach that are not apparent to the public, including security concerns or protocols around ongoing military operations or investigations.
- The arrest at the State of the Union could be seen as a matter of security protocol and maintaining order, rather than targeting due to Gold Star status.
- Presidential visits to Arlington and other gestures, while meaningful, do not necessarily reflect the full scope of an administration's support for military families.
- Invitations to events and personal interactions with Gold Star families, while important, are only one aspect of how an administration supports veterans and their families.
- Public statements about troop deaths may sometimes be inaccurate or taken out of context, and it's possible that Biden's comments were not intended to dismiss the sacrifices made by service members.
- Public figures like Kamala Harris may show respect and appreciation for the military in ways that are not always visible or recognized by all individuals.
- The withdrawal from Afghanistan was a complex decision with many factors, and some argue that it was a necessary step to end a prolonged conflict and refocus on other strategic priorities.
- Declining military enlistment rates can be influenced by a variety of factors, including economic trends, societal attitudes towards military service, and the availability of other opportunities for young people.
- The mental health of veterans is a critical issue, and while more support is needed, there are ongoing efforts by various organizations and the government to address these challenges.
Actionables
- You can write a letter to your local representative to express your concerns about military policies and veteran support, detailing the importance of acknowledgment and mental health resources. By doing so, you engage in civic participation and advocate for issues like those raised by Gold Star families, potentially influencing policy and raising awareness.
- Start a social media campaign to share stories of military service members and their families, using hashtags to highlight their sacrifices and the need for proper recognition. This can create a community of support and keep important conversations in the public eye, much like the attention brought to events like Abbegate.
- Volunteer with organizations that support veterans and their families, offering your time to help with events, fundraising, or administrative tasks. This direct action contributes to the well-being of those affected by military service and can help address the need for increased mental health support.
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The personal experiences and perspectives of a Gold Star father
Steven Nikoui, a Gold Star father, shares his heart-wrenching journey seeking transparency and recognition for his son's sacrifice, contrasting his experiences with the actions of two presidential administrations.
Nikoui's deep grief and demand for transparency and accountability from the Biden-Harris administration
Nikoui's son Kareem, a Marine, was one of the 13 service members killed in the Abbegate bombing in Afghanistan in 2021
Steven Nikoui recounts the tragic loss of his son, Kareem M. Nikoui, a US Marine assigned to the Second Battalion, First Marines, who was among the service members that tragically died in the Abbegate bombing in Afghanistan in 2021.
Nikoui has been calling for the White House to acknowledge the sacrifice of his son and the other fallen soldiers
Nikoui has been persistent in his quest for recognition and accountability from the Biden-Harris administration. He expresses his frustration with the lack of communication from the White House and the administration's reluctance to engage with him personally. He shares his gratitude that President Biden finally acknowledged Kareem by name, a gesture he has long desired since the night of the tragedy and the 2023 State of the Union address.
Nikoui was even arrested at the 2023 State of the Union address for expressing his frustration, though charges were later dropped
Nikoui details his arrest at the State of the Union address after he called out, "Remember Abby Gate," and mentioned his son and military unit. Despite not resisting arrest, Nikoui suggests that he was targeted for removal by the Sergeant at Arms, who was aware of his Gold Star status. He was kept uninformed about the charges until he found out at his court date that the case was not papered and no charges would be pressed.
Nikoui's positive experiences with President Trump's support and recognition of Gold Star families
Trump was the first president to visit Arlington National Cemetery and honor the Abbegate victims
Steven Nikoui appreciates that President Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery to honor the soldiers who fell at Abbey Gate, including his son Kareem.
Trump invited Nikoui and other Gold Star families to his properties and rallies, listened to their stories, and pledged to continue supporting them
Nikoui praises Trump for being ...
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The personal experiences and perspectives of a Gold Star father
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can honor the sacrifices of service members by writing personalized letters of gratitude to their families, expressing recognition for their loved one's service and the impact it has on society. This gesture can provide comfort and a sense of community support to families who have lost a member in service. For example, you might research local military support organizations that can connect you with Gold Star families to whom you can send your letters.
- Create a digital memorial space using social media or a free website builder where people can share stories, photos, and tributes to fallen service members. This platform would serve as a collective memory bank and a place for healing, allowing anyone to contribute and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. For instance, you could start a Facebook group or a simple blog where individuals can post their memories and messages of support.
- Engage in informed discussions with friends ...
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The contrasting responses and actions of different presidential administrations
Nikoui offers a critical perspective on the current presidential administration’s handling of military issues, pointing out what he perceives as a lack of respect and insufficient responses to the sacrifices of service members.
Biden's dismissive comments about no troops dying on his watch
Nikoui reacted to President Biden's claim during a presidential debate that no troops had died under his administration. He viewed this statement as further evidence of Biden's disregard for the sacrifices of service members. Later, when Biden acknowledged the casualties with a tweet, Nikoui considered this response too little, too late, emphasizing that it did not counteract the president’s previous oversights.
Harris's perceived lack of respect and engagement with the military
Nikoui extended his critique to Vice President Kamala Harris, expressing his belief that she ha ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The contrasting responses and actions of different presidential administrations
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- President Biden's comment about no troops dying may have been intended to highlight a period of reduced combat fatalities and not to dismiss the overall sacrifices of service members.
- Acknowledging casualties, even if delayed, is a standard procedure for a presidential administration, and the timing of such acknowledgments can be influenced by various factors, including the need for accurate information and respect for the families involved.
- Vice President Kamala Harris's engagement with the military could be seen as appropriate and respectful within the context of her role and responsibilities, and public perceptions of respect can be subjective.
- The characterization of Vice President Harris as a "puppet" may overlook her agency and the complexities of policy-making within a large administration, where mu ...
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The wider implications of the Afghanistan withdrawal and Abbegate on the military and American security
The events surrounding the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the tragedy of Abbegate have profound impacts on the military's morale and American security, according to Nikoui.
The weakening of America's global standing and military readiness
The withdrawal from Afghanistan signaled American weakness
Nikoui expresses concern that the withdrawal from Afghanistan has been perceived as a sign of American weakness on the global stage, potentially emboldening adversaries such as Russia and Iran. This perception could have serious implications for the credibility and deterrence capabilities of the United States military.
Declining military enlistment rates
Moreover, the events in Afghanistan have seemingly contributed to declining enlistment rates in the military. Nikoui sees this trend as particularly alarming. A lesser number of individuals willing to join the armed forces could lead to a shortfall in military readiness, which is crucial for maintaining national security and projecting strength abroad.
The mental health toll on service members
High suicide rates among veterans
Nikoui dwells on the devastating impact the withdrawal from Afghanistan and incidents like Abbegate have on the mental health of service members. With approximately 22 service members committing suicide every day, he highlights the alarming suicide rates plaguing veterans.
...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The wider implications of the Afghanistan withdrawal and Abbegate on the military and American security
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The withdrawal from Afghanistan could be seen as a strategic realignment rather than a sign of weakness, with the U.S. potentially shifting focus to other geopolitical challenges.
- Some analysts argue that America's global standing is determined by a broader set of factors beyond military presence in one country, including diplomatic relations, economic strength, and cultural influence.
- The deterrent effect of the U.S. military might not solely rely on the number of active conflicts it is engaged in but also on its technological advancements and the ability to project power globally.
- Declining enlistment rates could also be influenced by broader societal trends and economic factors, not just the perception of military engagements.
- Military readiness is multifaceted, and a reduction in enlistment could be offset by increased efficiency, better technology, and more effective force deployment strategies.
- The suicide rate among veterans is a complex issue that may not be directly correlated with a single event or series of events, such as the Afghanistan withdrawal or Abbegate.
- There are initiatives and programs in place aimed at improving the mental health of veterans, and these efforts could be making progress in ways not captured by the narrative presented.
- The challenges faced by veterans in reconciling wartime experiences could be address ...
Actionables
- You can raise awareness about military mental health by sharing information and resources on social media. Create a monthly social media post that highlights different aspects of veteran mental health, such as stress management techniques, stories of successful coping strategies, or information about where veterans can seek help. Use hashtags like #VeteranSupport or #MentalHealthMatters to increase visibility.
- Start a book club focused on military history and current affairs to foster a deeper understanding of military life and its challenges. Choose books that offer insights into the psychological impact of military service and host discussions that encourage empathy and awareness. This can help bridge the gap between civilian and military communities and promote a supportive environment.
- Encourage conversations within your community about the impor ...
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