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© Thomson Reuters 2021.'Time to end the forever war,' Biden says on pulling U.S. troops from Afghanistan
By Phil Stewart and Steve Holland WASHINGTON©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
77 Comments
OnTheTrail
Biden, Trump and I all agree on something- banner day. Now stop getting into new wars to support the machine.
bass4funk
If Biden can pull this off, I’ll tip my hat to the man, let’s wait and see what happens.
Mark
YES, and thank you sure for having the courage to close this ugly chapter in the US history of wars.
YuriOtani
It is time to end the US role in this conflict. Worthy of note it is the Sunni Muslims that are the terrorists.
bass4funk
We don't know yet, nothing has happened, so until the troops all come home, I'll hold my breath in using the term. Again, if he does this for millions of Americans he will be widely respected. So I hope he can pull this off.
bass4funk
Both, not just the Sunni, the Shiites as well, they equally have more than enough blood on their hands.
JeffLee
I - and a growing number of people in the West - no longer care if Afghan girls get an education. The US - and the West - will be better off by abandoning such efforts, which the majority of the locals view as an imposition of an alien morality.
The war, as designed by aggressive globalists like Bush, was unwinnable from the start. I said so nearly 20 years ago.
Jsapc
Exactly. Nothing has happened. And that hasn't kept fox news viewers from calling Biden a warmonger, even though he didn't do or say anything, as you point out. Now why did that happen?
GdTokyo
I have mixed feelings about this. It seems true that there is no military solution short of committing several hundred thousand troops to invade, occupy and decisively defeat the Taliban. That option is not on the table so the best we could possibly do is hold them at bay.
And I get it that the US needs to reorient towards the very real threats from China and Russia to name only a few.
But we are abandoning the Afghans to their fate. We all know what the Taliban will do to that society when they overthrow the weak government. We are going to tell an entire generation “Good luck with that, kiddos We’re outa here.”
Easy for me to say though. I’m safe in Japan, did not serve (my greatest regret in life), and my Children are not in harm’s way.
Jsapc
I think we all have, Biden and his staff even more so than all of us. This is not situation where there is a "best" solution, only a "least worst". I doubt they chose to get the troops home thinking that will to a perfectly happy ending for everyone.
Michael Machida
Great news. However Biden made the mistake of stating the date of the withdrawal. Big mistake.
GdTokyo
A fair point which I had forgotten. Thank you for reminding me.
Jsapc
"Biden is hurting the troops by bringing them home!!!!". Right-wing logic at its finest.
Did you also think Trump was turning against the American troops when he wanted to bring them home during his tenure?
bass4funk
Yet, and I hope it doesn't.
Libs called the previous President a warmonger and it didn't happen either, so if Biden can pull this off and keep the troops from going to war over the next 4 years then for sure the conservatives will be wrong as the Democrats were.
u_s__reamer
I'm not an economist (nor a warmonger), but couldn't the $2-3 trillion have been better spent rebuilding the country's economy by creating jobs with a living wage and modernizing the social infrastructure through education to integrate all ethnic and regional populations and establish a new national federated state rather than waging another unwinnable "whack-a-mole" war against Afghans? Or were the Taliban and the subjugation of women really such insurmountable obstacles to peace and prosperity? Now we'll never know, but the Taliban will come back for sure to fill the vacuum after the violent incursion of the foreign powers ends. The world should now be prepared to spend some of its treasure and initiate an international effort to help remove the mental shackles of the debilitating medieval tribalism by educating the people and liberating the women of Afghanistan. It's a tall order, but the world cannot just stand by and watch the country descend into the further chaos of a Taliban Groundhog Day.
Attilathehungry
It is a good decision, and about 15 years too late. However, I question the cheesy symbolism of having the withdrawl on September 11, the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks that were the basis of the war. Especially after bin Laden was finally killed (ironically NOT in Afghanistan), there was no reason to continue the slow bleed of lives and money.
Jsapc
So the only reason the right-wing is calling Biden a warmonger is because they are mad that the left called Trump a warmonger? Fascinating. I know 9 year olds with more maturity than that.
bass4funk
Whatever the reason the libs were wrong and for now on its face, the conservatives might be wrong as well.
So do I. Trump disappointed the left haters and it could be that Biden might disappoint the right haters
1glenn
I feel sorry for the Afghan people. Once all NATO troops leave, the ultra-conservative Taliban will probably take over the country. They already control most of the territory of the country, soon they will control most of the population.
Before the invasion by NATO, tens of thousands of refugees from Afghanistan fled the country, and were a huge problem in the parts of the world they tried to flee to. Not because they are bad people, but because it is difficult for any country to deal with that many refugees. I have met Afghan refugees here in California, and was impressed by them. Friendly and hardworking.
Toasted Heretic
Actually, the US is a terrorist and aggressor in Afghanistan.
As for the Taliban, yes they are ultra conservative, anti-education, twisters of truth and religious misogynist bigots. A bit like their far right counterparts in the US.
The whole situation is a mess, the US has found out what every other country who invaded Afghanistan knows - it cannot be tamed by outsiders.
The US (if they simply had to have their petty vengeance) should have invaded the real culprits behind 9/11 - Saudi Arabia.
Boku Dayo
I think Joe just gave the Taliban their cue.
Jimizo
They are literalists. They do less twisting of the ‘truth’ of their scriptures than pretty much anyone. This is paint by numbers.
bass4funk
Well, to a point that is debatable on couple of levels.
Ok, so conservatives don't allow women to go to school, behead people and hate schools and religion? That made as much sense as AOC wanting to be a man.
This is very true.
That is partially true
lincolnman
Trump supporters - who is right here - President Biden who wants to remove all the troops or....
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Biden was “paving the way for another 9/11” by withdrawing troops from Afghanistan.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said the decision was a “grave mistake” that would “likely” result in “disaster”.
Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the No. 3 Republican in the House, argued it would “only embolden the very jihadists who attacked our homeland on that day twenty years ago.”
Who is right - President Biden or these Repubs?
Toasted Heretic
Conservatives declared a war on history and education during the 45ist debacle, 45ist supporters called for politicians to be hung and women were denied the right to chose what to do with their bodies in conservative states.
Asfor AOC, if she wants to be a man, that's her own business.
The unbearable Taliban would fit right in, in some parts of the US. But the US or any invaders will never remake Afghanistan into some kind of western style "democracy". Not by force, at any rate.
Attilathehungry
It seems at least most people agree that it is time to leave Afghanistan to the Afghanis. At the same time, nobody wants to turn the US into a religious dictatorship. Love to hear who said that!
As for Trump and his supporters, as I recall the former president took a lot of flak from his party precisely for wanting to do what Biden is doing. So I will say that BOTH the current and former president are right, and the warhawks in both their parties are wrong.
SuperLib
Probably like others here, I really have no idea what the situation is on the ground in Afghanistan. Over the past 5 years or so it's just fallen off of the radar.
My response is the same for Biden as it was for Trump. If having a small number of residual troops there helps, and we're talking 1,000 to 2,000, then keep them there. Perhaps they can be the difference between the friendly government functioning and working in the areas where they have some sway. And it also keeps our intelligence up to date for any potential actions or threats created within the country.
If there's really just not that much benefit other than pride, then pull them out. Not worth it.
The last thing I want to do is make one final bad decision on Afghanistan just so we can say we finally ended the war just for the sake of finally ending the war. If the US pulls out and the Taliban wipes out the allied government the next day, maybe a thousand troops preventing that is a credible position.
My point: I really don't have enough info to know if it's a good decision or not.
Toasted Heretic
The US has killed millions of people around the world.
It should never be allowed touch another country again.
On September 11th, we remember not just the three thousand, but the millions of victims of an aggressive imperialist.
Jimizo
Absolute disasters. People love to blame Bush 2 ( a truly appalling president ) for all of this, but I seem to remember the Democrats on side with some notable and noble exceptions ( Obama on Iraq ). Trump, it goes without saying, lied about his views on Iraq.
Best to reserve any judgement on Biden here until the troops are actually out.
Jsapc
I'm opposed to US imperialism as much as the next guy, but that figure is a little hyperbolic.
Attilathehungry
Maybe this is one point where I diverge from my right wing compatriots. I have a brother and cousin who both served in the military, and both spent time in that woebegotten armpit of a country. Talking to them gave me an absolute conviction that the conflict has no point. My cousin actually took three bullets over there- he is OK now, but is NOT a fan of the UN or the US presence.
Peter Neil
Gotta get those troops and equipment home to get ready to fight somewhere else, like in Ukraine or near Taiwan, or, or, or...
The US has can't go long without a war. The war industry needs it and will absolutely get another one. The Republicans will make sure of it!
But the truth is that there already is another war - the U S is being invaded on its southern border. Over 100,000 invaders per month!
Could you imagine if 100,000 Chinese invaded the California beaches every month?
I say send the Reservists and National Guard to the border on a rotating 3 month cycle. Hell, US taxpayers pay these people every month for decades.
1/3 of reservists and NG would be enough to stand 10 feet apart along the 2,000 mile souther border with Mexico. The active duty would even be needed.
If Biden did that, he's be an American hero.
ArtistAtLarge
Cost to date of Afghan and middle east war: 6.4 TRILLION
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/20/us-spent-6point4-trillion-on-middle-east-wars-since-2001-study.html
Obama was blocked from closing Guantanamo by Congress.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-guantanamo-costs/obama-makes-last-attempt-to-persuade-congress-to-close-guantanamo-idUSKCN0VW1NB
Toasted Heretic
This is a false equivalence.
Migration and asylum is not the same as military invasion.
However, the US could provide a home for the many Afghans who have been displaced by the invasion.
Attilathehungry
Thanks PSmith. Let's just say that both of them had some "interesting" tales to tell of their time there. Cuz in particular was a tip-of-the-spear guy. He carred a machine gun in an infantry platoon.
WIth no compelling national interest other than a nebulous "protect the homeland from terrorism", it is time. I will be the first to congratulate Pres. Biden if he can pull this off.
lincolnman
Lots of comments, but no answers to this one....strange....
Come on, tell us Trump supporters, who do you agree with - Biden or these Repubs?
Toasted Heretic
At least a million in Vietnam alone.
Factor in all the invasions and US backed coups and militias... unfortunately the figures aren't so hyperbolic.
bass4funk
And saved millions around the world as well.
So that means, we should kick out every person that wants a better life? So you agree the illegals shouldn't come to the US, why? They should go to Canada instead, maybe that's a better idea? I would be for it...
But the world overwhelmingly thinks about the thousands of victims and praised the efforts of Rob O'Neill for ending the life of one OBL.
bass4funk
Anyone that wants to make the call and get the ball rolling. Both the Dems and Repubs as well as the Pentagon don't seem to care about the troops, so let's see what Biden has and if he can pull this off and someone in his admin can persuade the Pentagon that this is the right move.
Toasted Heretic
She does.
It's conservatives who can't stomach the bad history and don't want it taught.
JeffLee
In nearly every case, the US goes in after the local people have turned their own countries into living hells. I'm an isolationist, so fine. Let these countries fester, sinking deeper into the abyss.
The problem is the same people condemning US involvement will then accuse a disengaged US of "closing its eyes on a humanitarian crisis," etc., as they did during the Balkans crisis.
lincolnman
Nope, didn't answer the question....
Should the troops come home like Biden (and Trump) say or is it a "grave mistake", "likely to embolden the terrorists", and a "disaster" like these Repubs are saying?
Which is it?
bass4funk
But Obama didn't pull the trigger. Obama is not the one that has to look over his shoulder everyday for the rest of his life.
No, never.
If the President is not blocked from doing so.
YeahRight
I am afraid there are just some people that can't swallow their pride. Personally, I don't care if the Taliban or others do a "victory dance" if the US withdraws. The main reason for 9/11 was the US being in Saudi Arabia after the first Gulf War. If the US withdrew, they wouldn't have a reason to become emboldened to attack the US. And I doubt that any US troops that have been killed would say they want the war to continue.
bass4funk
I did and was specific, you just didn't like the answer I provided, not much I can do there.
The troops should come and who cares what happens to that country. We don't need to be there, let them figure it out and if some terrorist uses that country as a staging ground for terrorist future operations then they should be dealt with accordingly, there are ways of doing it without being bogged down in that country.
FizzBit
I’ve heard that song before.
I’ve seen that movie too.
You know that road Neo. You know exactly where it ends.
Lazarus Knows
In short, you're saying Biden is right, and the GOP is wrong. Understood.
Attilathehungry
Hey Lincolnman. Trump supporter here. If Pres. Biden can get this done, then he is right and the GOP members you cited are wrong. One hundred percent wrong. Satisfied? This really shouldn't be a partisan political issue.
bass4funk
Both Presidents. If Biden can pull this off, I'll be the first one saluting the old guy, that is, if he can do it.
But he didn't pull the trigger and he doesn't have to worry about someone trying take revenge for what he authorized. I care more about the man that ended OBL than Obama, he'll be fine with the many mansions he can reside in. O'Neill doesn't have that luxury.
I do accept, but I also know how the Washington machine is and works.
Again, I did and if liberals are not happy with the answer because it doesn't satiate their left partisan ego, nothing I can do about it.
Goodlucktoyou
But 1000+ special forces, who Trump was told about, and 5000+ private military contractors will stay.
lincolnman
Nope - Is Biden right to bring the troops home or McConnell, Graham, and Cheney who want to leave them there? Is Biden's (and Trump's) plan to bring them home a "grave mistake" and "disaster"? Yes or no...
So the Repubs are wrong? Yes or no...
Lazarus Knows
So the GOP is wrong. Got it.
Strangerland
The pubs won't like this one bit. It takes money away from their war machine, money that Biden will try to use to pay for his infrastructure bill. The right-wing war machine won't appreciate their war entitlements being used to fund left-wing socialist policies that take care of the people, rather than arming the nation for war.
We won't see the deep state working behind the scenes to ensure that America remains in Afghanistan, but it will be there no doubt. We'll see when America finds a reason to leave troops there.
bass4funk
Yes.
Who knows maybe, maybe not, I care more about our troops, so if the Dems like Pelosi and Schumer or Mitch and Lindsey and others including the Pentagon on all sides think they should stay there, that’s on them. If Biden can get the authorization to pull the troops out and bring them home, he’s got my respect.
I never said that. I said, Trump didn’t start any war, if Biden is honest about NOT wanting to start any new wars he will do what Trump tried to do and bring the troops back home. Seems like Biden wants an end to these senseless wars like his predecessor did.
>
Lazarus Knows
The question is: is Biden right, that we should end the war in Afghanistan, or is the GOP right, that we should not end the war in Afghanistan?
You said Biden is right. Which means the GOP must, by definition, be wrong.
bass4funk
Most Americans know Obama didn’t end OBL life.
No, I’m being relevant, you just don’t like the fact I don’t fall for the liberal group thought one-sided think.
I did 3 times and again, I answer the questions, I don’t answer them to make liberals feel good. Again, if Biden can do this, great! No need to jump on me, you guys were the ones that had to interject more irrelevant junk into the conversation. I try to be honest and sincere and when I do that you guys still want to attack me for supporting Biden on this. I’m not the one with the lacking sincerity for debate. Lol
itsonlyrocknroll
The Taliban is an extreme Islamic political and military organization, devolved to a fundamentalist Muslim doctrine.
The Taliban have not gone away.
Afghanistan's four million Internally Displaced People - a glance into their lives of poverty and displacement during the pandemic.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/08/afghanistan-and-its-internally-displaced-people/
There is no turning one’s back and walking away.
Occupy a country, for what I believe is a genuine need to douse the flames of religious extremism.
The Global community has to own it
Or else back to square one.
This is not the time to announcing U.S/NATO troop withdrawals.
US Government have had to foot the burden, both politically and economically.
Whilst European Governments stand by and spout pledges and promises amounting to nothing.
The poverty , the pandemic, displacement, require global leadership.
Kaerimashita
Good job Joe. If you can get this over the line.
bass4funk
Of course the President has to have the authorization, Obama couldn’t close Guantanamo, Biden won’t so of course if Biden wants to bring the troops home, he needs to have the Pentagon and Congress sign off, if they don’t, it just makes for a good photo op.
lincolnman
Maybe or maybe not is not an answer to a yes or no question. Is the decision to pull the troops a "grave mistake and a disaster"? Do you agree with these NEOCON Repubs? Yes or no?
True, you never answered the question. Either Trump and Biden are correct, and pulling the troops is the best decision, or the NEOCON Repubs are right and it's a grave mistake. You can't seem to make up your mind...
bass4funk
Yes, it is. I always do.
With the Democrats and Neocons, I care about Americans and their well-being.
itsonlyrocknroll
The US/NATO alliance must not be withdrawn without a clear plan to replace the resource to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
One, religious fundamental extremism, will/could seize the opportunity to move into the state organizational void vacated.
At present underwritten with the presence and political influence of tactical/strategic armed forces.
Two, the indigence, aggravated by displacement from a devastating pandemic, in a region racked by religious extremism.