Bravery or Fire? Donahue’s Ouster Ties to Kabul Evacuation

Rolling Stone reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ousted Gen. Chris Donahue, the four-star commander of U.S. Army Europe, in what critics call a purge of combat-tested leadership. The piece argues the firing stems from Donahue’s role directing the Kabul evacuation in 2021–22, including tense negotiations with the Taliban and coordinating refugee flights and aid—stories interwoven with Fazel Roufi’s family’s escape and Donahue’s last-flight departure. The article also notes ongoing investigations into the Afghanistan withdrawal and frames Donahue’s actions as a brave, duty-driven effort amid a controversial mission.