There is intense questioning and speculating about what President Biden and our government are doing to withdraw Americans, allies, and troops from Afghanistan. For reasons of military security, answering live scrutiny isn't prudent for many reasons. However, these are the facts.
- Trump negotiated and decided to leave Afghanistan by the past May 1st.
- Biden decided that was too soon and proceeded with a plan to depart by August 31st of 2021.
- Criticism is that the American government made plans without the full engagement of the Afghanistan government and our allied partners.
- Criticism is that the lack of preparedness and details for all contingencies was grossly deficient.
- Taliban conquered Afghanistan as the Afghanistan government and military surrendered.
- Americans were surprised by the rate and speed at which Afghanistan fell to the Taliban.
Unintended consequences include:
- A portion of Americans and allies may be left in Afghanistan after the August 31st deadline negotiated with the Taliban.
- The number and location of those remaining are hard to discern because no one knows for sure who they are.
- Military assets are lost to the Taliban, resulting from the Afghan security force's surrender.
Defense and State Department leaders cannot address these issues in real-time while operations are ongoing.
If the Taliban cooperate to permit a peaceful withdrawal and resolution for securing the safe exit of those qualifying for protection, then quiet diplomacy is best.
Already made was the decision to equip the Afghan security force with weapons and ammunition. The consequence is the Taliban got a bonus.
The Taliban may have learned lessons and may moderate their method of governance. It will not be acceptable to the free world if they do not support the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. No Islamic states do so today.
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