The U.S. Can’t Walk Away From Afghanistan
After this tragedy, can America’s word ever be trusted?
Displaced Afghans arrive at a makeshift camp in Kabul.
Photographer: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
The disintegration of the Afghan state over a few short weeks has been shocking to watch. It shouldn’t have been surprising.
Since President Joe Biden announced plans to pull U.S. troops out of the country in April, a sweeping Taliban offensive has led to the capture of nearly every major city. The national armed forces have all but collapsed. Foreign countries are evacuating their citizens and embassy staff. Afghans are attempting to flee. As the insurgents now bear down on Kabul, a defeat looks imminent.