Hegseth’s new Afghan probe risks dragging the Pentagon down a political rabbit hole

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new investigation this week into the Biden administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 .

Peter Bergen : New probe is risky move that the Trump administration will be tempted to use as a political bludgeon against its perceived enemies.

Bergen says it risks paralyzing the Pentagon and US Combatant Commands at a pivotal moment in the Ukraine - Russia war and in the shadow of China 's growing threat.

It could create a generation of risk-averse commanders who fear future political retribution for their advice and decisions.

If Hegseth is smart, he will focus on future accountability — and that begins in Ukraine .

The outcome of that war — and any peace — is hanging in the balance, and will far outweigh Afghanistan .