{
  "id": 15794216,
  "title": "Polish leaders condemn Hegseth’s “scandalous” remarks downplaying role of US allies in Afghanistan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/polish-leaders-condemn-hegseths-scandalous-remarks-downplaying-role",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T19:52:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Notes from Poland",
    "slug": "notes-from-poland",
    "url": "https://notesfrompoland.com/2026/10/20/polish-leaders-condemn-hegseths-scandalous-remarks-downplaying-role-of-us-allies-in-afghanistan/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Polish leaders have strongly condemned US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth's recent remarks downplaying the role of US allies in the war in Afghanistan. The Speaker of Parliament, Włodzimierz Czarzasty, called the comments \"scandalous\" and criticized President Karol Nawrocki for not condemning Hegseth. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also addressed the issue, reading a message from a former Polish military medic who served in Afghanistan and expressed gratitude for the efforts of Polish soldiers. The controversy arose during a speech Hegseth gave to US military cadets, where he stated that only about five countries contributed to ISAF, while in reality, multiple countries played significant roles. Polish leaders have urged allies, including the US, to recognize and appreciate the efforts of their soldiers in Afghanistan.",
  "summary": "Prime Minister Donald Tusk read out a message sent to him by a Polish army medic who served in Afghanistan.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}