I’m reading a lot of highly emotional, heart-rending, actually, pieces about the plight of the people in Afghanistan.
Let me recap my views: I don’t think we should ever have put “boots on the ground” in Afghanistan. I think in the aftermath of 9/11 we should have mounted what amounts to an enormously damaging raid against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan—something so destructive it would be hard to imagine. Tora Bora should have been reduced to slag.
We spent the last 20 years in a futile attempt at removing the Taliban and building up the country. Now what?
In my opinion now nothing. The situation is sad, tragic even but we are under no moral obligation to to send life-saving supplies to people who want to kill us. We have no way of keeping those supplies out of the hands of the Taliban.
The people of Afghanistan are quite capable of removing the Taliban themselves but, yes, it would bear costs. The Taliban are Afghans and well-armed.
What did they think would happen when we left?
“we should have mounted what amounts to an enormously damaging raid against the Taliban”
The Taliban were the sitting government, and we did raid them, but then we decided to stay.
Frankly, 9/11 and al-Qaeda were just excuses for empire-building.
One thing that was never really talked about is what would happen when the US money faucet got turned off. Afghanistan’s economy, such as it is, developed to be entirely dependent on outside aid. Now that it is gone, people are going to starve to death.
Bob – Not to put words in Dave’s mouth, but I think his essential point was overwhelming response. Slag has a special meaning to a steel mill guy. However Neanderthal some may find it, when you cross the Rubicon and decide its war, its war. Close your eyes, pray for forgiveness, and full scale slaughter until you win as fast as you can. Its the bargain you signed up for. You are looking out for Number One.
I think Andy’s observation is correct. But what to do with a nation of 18th century types.
Make that 8th century types.