I’m not going to defend the Afghan forces. They were awful. I would like to know why that’s what we had after 15 years of training and billions of dollars. What I am saying is if you look at the topography around Kabul there are very few areas to hide armor. There is little chance the Taliban could advance into the city without being cut down by US gun ships and choppers. Don’t believe they would even try. Why suffer those casualties when you can wait two weeks and enter the city unopposed.This article is from July 26. Two weeks later, the Taliban had taken Kandihar a strategic focal point for the Afghans and the US. Air support wasn't winning the war at that time.
U.S offers further air support to Afghan troops amid Taliban offensive
The United States will to continue to carry out airstrikes to support Afghan forces facing attack from the insurgent Taliban, a regional U.S. commander said on Sunday as U.S. and other international forces have drawn down troops in Afghanistan.www.reuters.com
Here's a question... If American troops were fighting for their homes and the safety of their families, do you think they would give up even if they lost support of their airforce? Heck the Germans (famously dependent on Luftwafa support) kept fighting for months after we had control of the skies in WWII and many of those were young kids and old men.
I just don't believe that the Afghan army had the discipline or the desire to fight the Taliban. Many of them were simply bribed to leave their positions.
Afghanistan 2021...
- Thread starter noble cane
- Start date
Assume he’s considering the Taliban his ally and simply forgot about the British.
Wish there was but probably not. As I told my Biden-loving mother in law, I’m mad at Dems now but a month from now I’ll be mad at Republicans because there will be some saying not to take these people. Tucker Carlson is already doing his normal jackass routine. There are some rational reasons to be hesitant. There are some pretty gross cultural norms over there for example and a small but real terrorism threat, but to me it’s a no brainer to take as many as possible. Vast majority will not make us regret taking them
This full thread gives you a pretty good idea about how this is not simply “second guessing.” It’s people involved and on the ground noticing that ridiculous decisions are being made.
You gotta realize.. allies are only worth what you pay for them... even granny's partners sold her out when the chips were down and the money was good... poker is all about survival and guile; and maybe a couple of ringers in the game.
NxE4
Guile comes into any game where you're betting / trading assets. Poker is less skill and more chance.
D3
If they are making that offer, then take advantage of it while they haven't changed their mind.
There should be a quick move back with whatever is the minimum of equipment and forces necessary to secure Kabul. And while you are at it, take out as much of our equipment that we left functional as is possible. Do it with as many strategic strikes as is possible and safe, right before we leave. It would be a nice kiss goodbye.
If Biden leaves it to them, then Biden compounds many bad decisions with another colossal bad decision.
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Ship’s sailed on that. We left it to them and got a lot of people killed. We’ll just pretend there’s nothing we could have done different though
We are leaving behind American's who live in the US that were in Kabul visiting family. Truly a sad and maddening situation.
Some of the Americans being left behind are staying of their own violation either because they don’t want to leave their families, or they feel some alignment with the Taliban and don’t feel threatened.
'Several hundred' Americans are unsure whether to leave Afghanistan, US officials say
State Department spokesman Ned Price says some Americans have changed their minds multiple times a day about leaving Afghanistan.
www.usatoday.com
Do you have a hard time believing anyone would want to stay with their families, if their families weren’t able to come as well?
I don’t disagree. Though there could be multiple motivations for someone saying that.
I suppose the state department should keep pretty detailed records of trying to get known Americans to return and the Americans declining.
This is an opinion piece, not reporting, but it's perspective on the pull out is interesting. The comparison to our pullout from Yemen and Benghazi which didn't get much coverage is new to me.
Some of the Americans being left behind are staying of their own violation either because they don’t want to leave their families, or they feel some alignment with the Taliban and don’t feel threatened.
'Several hundred' Americans are unsure whether to leave Afghanistan, US officials say
State Department spokesman Ned Price says some Americans have changed their minds multiple times a day about leaving Afghanistan.www.usatoday.com
I realize that my comment was about American families who went to see family and are now stuck. I was watching CNN this morning when I posted that comment. Clarissa Ward mentioned a few families they had spoken to who had gone to the airport multiple times but were unable to get through and onto an airplane.
That’s curious. The state department mentioned that the last few flights didn’t even have Americans on them because Americans didn’t get to the Airport. The administration needs to reiterate that repercussions against left behind American citizens will be met with force.
Just realized this is a Jen Rubin article. That’s like the Baghdad Bob of token pretend republicans.
Do these guys ever have someone say to them "what the **** are you talking about?"
The assets (helicopters trucks etc…) pose less of a threat than do the mountains of small arms
Just thought I would share that this person was alive and attached by a harness. There are images of him waiving to people below. He was trying to attach a flag to the top of a building.
Good news. Taliban play time will result in several crashes inshalla
To a sad story
White House responds to plea of interpreter who helped rescue Biden but is still stuck in Afghanistan
In 2008, the interpreter drove through a blinding snowstorm after Biden's helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in a remote valley.
www.usatoday.com
Refugees are generally GREAT people to add to your community. They are mostly motivated and grateful to have a new life. And they likely endured hardship and showed good judgment and perseverance to leave a bad situation. So they are largely pre screened on character.
Well, the states that look like they’re refusing also have sparse populations and a forth of firearms if we feel that these refugees might have potential for violence.
Wyoming has 229 guns per 1000 people. Highest in the US. LolWell I think we have our share of firearms here in OK as well
The North Vietnamese did the same thing if not in a worse manner. It’s unfortunate but unrelated to being a jihadist.
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