Posted on 08/14/2021 8:34:29 AM PDT by DoodleBob
The situation in Afghanistan is dire. But it is not too late to deploy forces to stabilize it, and ultimately turn it around. We can at least avoid the worst outcome, a collapse and slaughter that would be a catastrophe for the people of Afghanistan and a strategic and moral disaster for the United States.
We know this is doable: General John Allen, who served as commander of the International Security Assistance Force from 2011 to 2013, laid out a realistic plan for salvaging the situation and avoiding the complete collapse of Kabul. Would a bold intervention now commit us to sustain a military presence in Afghanistan indefinitely? Not necessarily, but there is a strong case for an enduring military presence there, in order to combat terrorists and help defend our nation, as well as to honor our alliance with the people of Afghanistan.
It may be tempting to believe that jihadist terrorism is no longer a serious threat because there have been no successful, large-scale terrorist attacks inside the United States originating from Afghanistan since 2001.
But that success must be credited, in part, to our ongoing military operations in Afghanistan and the region, which kept Al Qaeda and its allies on the run, in hiding, and focused on their own survival rather than on planning operations against us. Al Qaeda, the Islamic State, the Taliban—and other groups—are active and even thriving as we withdraw, and they have not fulfilled their obligations under the 2020 peace agreement. Without our help, our enemies are almost certain to regain a safe haven from which to organize and plot.
We also have a duty to stand by our Afghan allies who continue to fight our common enemies. We promised as much when we signed strategic partnership agreements with them in 2005 and 2012 and a bilateral security agreement in 2013, and when we designated them a major non-NATO ally. Withdrawal from Afghanistan is abandoning our allies in the middle of the fight. What would such abandonment tell the world about American character and reliability in future moments when we look to make alliances in our strategic interests?
The United States has made mistakes in Afghanistan during the past 20 years. But we should not let errors from the past lead to even worse mistakes today. If we lose Afghanistan, we will lose our ability to combat terrorists in the region. Our nation will be less safe. And we will have failed our allies who need our support.
It is not too late for the Biden administration to reconsider—and to act.
Another 20 years — to flatten the curve.
I think it’s admirable the old anti-Trumper William Kristol has volunteered to go in uniform into the war zone and risk his life and body parts to get this thing straightened out.
Oh, wait. He’s going to sit in his lavish home’s library and tap out solutions so “old men send young men out to war.”
Demented and sad, but funny.
Total, invincible commitment to their hubris and folly.
bttt!
ROTFLMFAO!!!!!
The author can sign up and volunteer to go with weapon in hand.
Oh, he won’t? But he’s quick to commit the blood of others to a cause he’s “thought” about.
Any invasion force would be completely surrounded you insertion. No way to get out of that situation without casualties.
I stopped at “William Kristol”.
Great minds think alike. See my previous post!
Folks can post whatever they want. It’s my decision to read it or scroll past.
With one exception. Can we all agree to NOT post anything that is in any way associated with Kristin, Lowry, National Review, Goldberg, etc etc
> “The United States has made mistakes in Afghanistan during the past 20 years.” <
True that. And Bill Kristol endorsed every one of them. So the best thing was can say about Billy Boy is that his credibility is totally shot.
I really don’t know if there would or if there could be a situation where withdrawal would not be painless.
I’m glad this did not happen on Trump’s watch. Even though Trump ordered the de-escalation of troops in Afghanistan it was up to Biden to carry it out and screw it up.
Good call.
Sorry, Bill. Your rejection of Trump doesn’t buy you any “in-group” influence on Biden, his handlers, or anyone else. Your fantasy of your own importance is an illusion.
https://video.foxnews.com/v/6267861981001#sp=show-clips
Former Navy SEAL: There should be a lot of people in Washington getting fired
When did Afghanistan became an ‘ally’ of the U.S.? I understand that many Afghans risked their lives to help us and our troops over the last 20 years and we morally owe them, but the nation of Afghanistan, I don’t think so.
This is rich, isn’t it.
But Trump mean-tweeted !
Don't know who Courtney is? Read Once an Eagle, by Anton Myrer. His novel has been used as part of the curriculum at the Army War College. Courtney is the well connected officer who uses his network to get promoted, at the expense of Sam Damon, a true leader of men.
These warmongering neocons never give up. Their bank accounts must be drying up. They and their buddies in the defense industry love these long, protracted conflicts with no end in sight. It means a ton of money in government contracts for all of them! That kind of dried up during the Trump years, and now they want to recoup their money!
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