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Biden Wanted to Leave Afghanistan. He Knew the Risks

6 points by throwawaysea 5y ago

throwawaysea 5y ago
Some key points, for those who can't get past the paywall: This article discusses how Biden was warned by his top military generals and US intelligence of the risks of a complete withdrawal, and was asked by some to maintain a small presence of US troops to maintain stability and allow diplomacy to continue. With the exit turning into a foreign policy disaster, many including officials of former administration, are criticizing Biden by noting that this was predictable and that not planning for it was a mistake. However, Biden was staunchly committed to pulling troops out of Afghanistan, a position he has held for a long time, dating back to his vice presidency. Some current and former administration officials have noted that Biden felt the Afghanistan government was corrupt and had squandered billions in aid, and that Biden preferred to reorient America towards more pressing international matters, including competition with China, and domestic issues including infrastructure and battling Covid.
- redshirt 5y ago
  Best decision we could have made. Wish it was done years ago. Only thing to do now is make darned sure we get out the people that helped the US and allies as quickly as possible. It’s not going to be easy, but it must be done.
  - ozfive 5y ago
    Those past cowards couldn't do it like him and I agree we need to get everyone out that wants out. France is working towards this effort also. The Aussies and UK are admitting they can't help. This is a mess now and it sickens everyone on many levels. If we don't get the people out we will never get support from any locals ever again in any future war.
    - truffdog 5y ago
      I mean- its not like we did the best job with the Kurds or the Hmong or the Mien. The best outcome would be not doing any more occupying army stuff. It is not very productive.
cable2600 5y ago
https://archive.is/0a2BR https://archive.is/0a2BR
rvz 5y ago
After extending the original May deadline (for what reason?) and then underestimating the enemy and allowing the entire takeover in Afghanistan whilst also sitting there 'stunned' and doing nothing about it, isn't it too late for 'a plan' given all the time he had to think about it? Might as well collect your belongings and leave Afghanistan in shame. After that deadline extension, there is no pointing fingers at anyone else; it's on him this time. Unless you want to go back to how this 20 year war started in the first place with him and others voting for it?
raxxorrax 5y ago
I think leaving was inevitable. 20 more years wouldn't have changed anything. But it could have been more organized, not everyone is basically kicked out with a bang. Many countries trip over themselves to start diplomatic relations to curb influence from other powers. The US and EU will quickly start foreign aid to stop China from exerting influence.

6 points by throwawaysea 5y ago

Some key points, for those who can't get past the paywall: This article discusses how Biden was warned by his top military generals and US intelligence of the risks of a complete withdrawal, and was asked by some to maintain a small presence of US troops to maintain stability and allow diplomacy to continue. With the exit turning into a foreign policy disaster, many including officials of former administration, are criticizing Biden by noting that this was predictable and that not planning for it was a mistake. However, Biden was staunchly committed to pulling troops out of Afghanistan, a position he has held for a long time, dating back to his vice presidency. Some current and former administration officials have noted that Biden felt the Afghanistan government was corrupt and had squandered billions in aid, and that Biden preferred to reorient America towards more pressing international matters, including competition with China, and domestic issues including infrastructure and battling Covid.

redshirt 5y ago
Best decision we could have made. Wish it was done years ago. Only thing to do now is make darned sure we get out the people that helped the US and allies as quickly as possible. It’s not going to be easy, but it must be done.
- ozfive 5y ago
  Those past cowards couldn't do it like him and I agree we need to get everyone out that wants out. France is working towards this effort also. The Aussies and UK are admitting they can't help. This is a mess now and it sickens everyone on many levels. If we don't get the people out we will never get support from any locals ever again in any future war.
  - truffdog 5y ago
    I mean- its not like we did the best job with the Kurds or the Hmong or the Mien. The best outcome would be not doing any more occupying army stuff. It is not very productive.

cable2600 5y ago

https://archive.is/0a2BR https://archive.is/0a2BR

rvz 5y ago

After extending the original May deadline (for what reason?) and then underestimating the enemy and allowing the entire takeover in Afghanistan whilst also sitting there 'stunned' and doing nothing about it, isn't it too late for 'a plan' given all the time he had to think about it? Might as well collect your belongings and leave Afghanistan in shame. After that deadline extension, there is no pointing fingers at anyone else; it's on him this time. Unless you want to go back to how this 20 year war started in the first place with him and others voting for it?

raxxorrax 5y ago

I think leaving was inevitable. 20 more years wouldn't have changed anything. But it could have been more organized, not everyone is basically kicked out with a bang. Many countries trip over themselves to start diplomatic relations to curb influence from other powers. The US and EU will quickly start foreign aid to stop China from exerting influence.