The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan marks the end of a 20-year military presence that is now estimated to have cost $5.8 trillion. Today, the returning wave of U.S. veterans has left us with an additional cost to the war: the cost of veteran health and welfare and the failure of our American institutions to meet […]
Tag: Afghanistan Withdrawal
A Simple TikTok Trend? Or Blatant Jingoism?
On August 30th, 2021, after 20 years of military occupation, the Pentagon announced the completion of withdrawal of US forces in Afghanistan. Marine Gen. Kenneth “Frank” McKenzie stated, “The last C-17 lifted off from Hamid Karzai International Airport on August 30th, this afternoon….” Weeks prior to the withdrawal, Taliban forces had swiftly regained control of […]
The First One Hundred Days of the Taliban Administration
The United States completed its official mission to remove troops from Afghanistan in August. Before the final plane departed the Taliban had already reclaimed Kabul, and with it the governance of the country. In 100 days since the administration took office, there has been little opportunity for quiet thought or reflection, to examine in one […]
Is the End in Sight? Seeking an Exit from Afghanistan
U.S. Marines departing from Helmand province from Camp Bastion, October 27, 2014. – Image released by the US Marine Corps, Wikimedia Commons. “We will not waver. We will not tire. We will not falter. And we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail.” – Former President George W. Bush announcing the beginning of the […]
Are Cold War Politics at Play in the Closure of Manas Air Base?
Next fall will be a busy time of year for our dysfunctional government. Faced with the prospect of midterm elections for a Congress with some of the lowest approval ratings ever and the near complete withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, our country’s bureaucrats will be hoping that nothing else will shake up the second […]