U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin looks on during hearing questions by the House Armed Services Committee on "Ending the U.S. Military Mission in Afghanistan" in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, U.S., September 29, 2021. Also pictured is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Army General Mark A. Milley and General Kenneth McKenzie Jr., USMC Commander, U.S. Central Command. Rod Lamkey/Pool via REUTERS