Congressman Jim McGovern on Twenty Years of War in Afghanistan

September 14, 2021

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks and the end of the war in Afghanistan, US Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) joins Holy Cross Political Science Professor Ward Thomas to answer students' questions on the legacy of war in Afghanistan, the withdrawal of U.S. troops, and our responsibilities to the Afghan people, including refugees to Massachusetts and others displaced by US military action, and to our US service members.

Congressman McGovern has been a leading critic of U.S. military policy in Afghanistan, coordinating bi-partisan initiatives focused on the human and financial costs of the war, proposals for safely withdrawing U.S. forces from the country, and promoting a political solution for Afghanistan and the region. He is chairman of the House Rules Committee and co-chair of the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.

Answering Students' Questions on Afghanistan
  • Congressman Jim McGovern, seated at the front of the room with Professor Thomas Ward, answers the question of a student at a microphone in the center aisle of the audience in Rehm Library.
  • Congressman Jim McGovern (right) and Professor Thomas Ward are seated at the front of the room to address students questions in Rehm Library.
  • Congressman Jim McGovern, right, stands to speak with three students gathered around him after the event in Rehm Library. All are wearing face masks.
  • Congressman Jim McGovern, left, stands speaking to a student, right, both wearing face masks, after the event in Rehm Library.
  • Congressman Jim McGovern, seated at the front of the room with Professor Thomas Ward, answers the question of a student at a microphone in the center aisle of the audience in Rehm Library.
  • Congressman Jim McGovern (right) and Professor Thomas Ward are seated at the front of the room to address students questions in Rehm Library.
  • Congressman Jim McGovern, right, stands to speak with three students gathered around him after the event in Rehm Library. All are wearing face masks.
  • Congressman Jim McGovern, left, stands speaking to a student, right, both wearing face masks, after the event in Rehm Library.