As far back as my knowledge of history goes, in this case back to Alexander the Great about 330 BC, Afghanistan has been yelling "Foreigner, go home," to every invader.
They have succeeded every time. I think there's a pattern there.
I’ll respectfully offer an alternative perspective… the man clinging to the landing gear of the C-17 wasn’t saying “foreigner, go home.” The vast majority of Afghans weren’t saying that either. The 3000 women we drove into the ANSF likely never said that. And, the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan likely isn’t saying it either. But, it’s easy for us to distill the people down to their loudest voices. The Taliban and al-Qaida likely said that. But they aren’t all afghans. They aren’t even the majority.
Hi Will, again another spot on analysis. One more issue I would have added is that I don’t think we ever took into account the tribal aspect of Afghanistan. I know you mentioned this in the article but I think it was a much more widespread issue than the composition of the ANA or police.
I just keep learning more and more from you Will. Afghanistan is certainly an unforgiving country both in it's geography and the people who are more than likely fed up with all the foreign invaders. Correct me if I'm wrong.
I feel horrible how the U.S. left things though. Democracy building while noble in it's pursuit in countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan was very naive. Shoot, after 250 years we can't even get ours right. And if we don't win against the building Fascism movement here in November we will lose it for sure. We will deserve it too. 💔🇺🇸💙
As far back as my knowledge of history goes, in this case back to Alexander the Great about 330 BC, Afghanistan has been yelling "Foreigner, go home," to every invader.
They have succeeded every time. I think there's a pattern there.
So, that’s not entirely correct.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/08/28/afghanistan-graveyard-britain-us-russia-506990
Damn
I’ll respectfully offer an alternative perspective… the man clinging to the landing gear of the C-17 wasn’t saying “foreigner, go home.” The vast majority of Afghans weren’t saying that either. The 3000 women we drove into the ANSF likely never said that. And, the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan likely isn’t saying it either. But, it’s easy for us to distill the people down to their loudest voices. The Taliban and al-Qaida likely said that. But they aren’t all afghans. They aren’t even the majority.
Great observation, James.
Second podcast episode was great Will, keep up the awesome work 👍
Thanks, bro!
Until next time.
Hi Will, again another spot on analysis. One more issue I would have added is that I don’t think we ever took into account the tribal aspect of Afghanistan. I know you mentioned this in the article but I think it was a much more widespread issue than the composition of the ANA or police.
I just keep learning more and more from you Will. Afghanistan is certainly an unforgiving country both in it's geography and the people who are more than likely fed up with all the foreign invaders. Correct me if I'm wrong.
I feel horrible how the U.S. left things though. Democracy building while noble in it's pursuit in countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan was very naive. Shoot, after 250 years we can't even get ours right. And if we don't win against the building Fascism movement here in November we will lose it for sure. We will deserve it too. 💔🇺🇸💙
Thanks for treading!
We never managed expectations. We expected Thomas Jefferson to come down from the Hindu Kush but that was a pipe dream.
This is very true Will. I'm sure it was very difficult to manage expectations. Language and cultural barriers to say the least.