If we believed complete withdrawal was wrong we could have used our influence with the US. Failing that, make a new agreement with like minded nations through the UN, Canada, Australia, France, Germany. Now we can watch as Afghanistan reverts to human rights abuses, torture, murder and being a vipers nest of terrorism. The US has a seventy year military presence in S Korea. A similar long term view should have been taken in Afghanistan.
I don't think the govt. did think withdrawal was wrong. Labour and the Liberals were also in favour of it.
Just another point, what is so wrong with watching human rights abuses, torture, murder and everything else ?
The political will in the US to stay in Afghanistan collapsed many years ago. The reason for it is the war quickly transferred from a war against terrorism to what Biden has now called nation building. Americans aren't a fan of the latter, with the fear narrative Bush generated they wanted to eliminate Al Qaeda, remove the Taliban and well the Afghans would have to do the rest.
I’m torn. Emotionally, I feel sick as to what happens to Afghans that reject the Taliban. As I said, murder, torture.....
www.politico.com
Good post mate. Nation building is what would have been needed, without that you cannot exterminate the Taliban or Al Queda. Nation building would have been hellish tricky in a country made up of so many factions. Still tragic though.
I’m torn. Emotionally, I feel sick as to what happens to Afghans that reject the Taliban. As I said, murder, torture.....
intellectually, I know what you are saying and probably agree with much of it, particularly that the U.K. ceased to have much influence in the world some time ago. Having taken the decision to withdraw, what has happened was inevitable.
I found this article quite helpful in understanding why the fully equipped 300,000 strong afghan army didn’t fight.
you look at that and just think wtf? Sounds like the military have been telling the politicians what they want to hear.Opinion | Why Afghan Forces So Quickly Laid Down Their Arms
Opposing Afghan factions have long negotiated arrangements to stop fighting — something the U.S. either failed to understand or chose to ignore.
The victims in all this are those that helped the US/U.K. and every Afghan that has embraced western mores over the last few years. not to forget anyone that has been impacted by the injury or loss of a loved one in this awful conflict.
It will be a tragedy for many within the country. If terrorism takes hold who knows who else it will be a tragedy for.
It is indeed tragic but it's a cruel reality in those parts. The Taliban are actually nothing different to most of the regimes out there which is why I don't understand much of the outrage, the only real difference is they walk around with guns.
Yet another stupid political post. Millions to food banks !!!
Nation building, by that you mean 19th century Colonialism. Your little country will do what we say and how we do it. We don't care for your traditions, your way of life or your beliefs, we insist you do it the way we say. The first nations of America and Australia say hi.
I think the powers that be thought the Afghan army trained by the West would put up a half decent fight, when actually they just melted away.
Hi Nigel.
I agree but the people of this country seemed to be saying no more refugees, wether in boats or from anywhere, politicians merely reflect the people. Now the people have seen what a shit show it is they demand we bring them over. In 2 months time we will moan about no schools, boat people etc etc. The public change their minds depending on what Sky and others say.
