In a matter of a week, the Taliban took control of 18 provincial capitals, including the key cities of Kandahar and Herat. They may very well have captured more as I write. The collapse of the Afghan National Defense Security Force (ANDSF) has western governments worried, prompting the likes of the USA, the UK and even Canada announcing that they will send in troops to assist in the evacuation of personnel. They had better hustle, because as of about 60 minutes ago, the "motorcycle and pickup" units of the Taliban were reportedly at Kabul's doorstep (ie, about 15 km).
Officials from the city of Gardez reportedly wanted to surrender but CIA-trained paramilitary forces have taken control instead.
The Taliban also now control the Mohammad Agha district of Logar province, putting them 25 km from the center of Kabul. Logar is crucial strategically as Kabul is in range of rocket and artillery fire. More importantly, the Taliban hold the high ground and can put fires on Kabul Airport. The Americans et al may have a costly fight on their hands.
Earlier today the Afghan Military Council announced that the fight against Taliban will be led by "General" Dostum and Atta Noor (Northern Alliance warlords). Dostum is on the frontline in Balkh right now. All ANDSF troops and allied forces to operate under their command.
Watch any documentary on any of the coalition forces in afghanistan. It’s mind blowing how corrupt/non functioning/ridiculously frustrating everything in that country is.
The country is so far past being fixed, it was always hopeless.
You can’t impose your ideals and principles on a country that is mostly living in the 15th century.
This conflict gave us the first female Canadian soldier killed in combat Captain Nichola Goddard and well here we are, more terrible history in Afghanistan.
Watch any documentary on any of the coalition forces in afghanistan. It’s mind blowing how corrupt/non functioning/ridiculously frustrating everything in that country is.
The country is so far past being fixed, it was always hopeless.
You can’t impose your ideals and principles on a country that is mostly living in the 15th century.
I think the frame is what minimal involvement there would prevent the Taliban from charging in, setup shop, foster terrorists and another 9/11 vs leaving.
I am surprised the case for a small army and air force lost to tuck tail.
Cause guess who is going in…China. Now there is deterrent from them after the next attack.
Well maybe their police state will keep the terrorists at bay. A camera and drone on every corner. Maybe that ens up being safer.
I think the frame is what minimal involvement there would prevent the Taliban from charging in, setup shop, foster terrorists and another 9/11 vs leaving.
I am surprised the case for a small army and air force lost to tuck tail.
Cause guess who is going in…China. Now there is deterrent from them after the next attack.
Well maybe their police state will keep the terrorists at bay. A camera and drone on every corner. Maybe that ens up being safer.
Is that how you know you have reached super power status. You can waste resources on a hopeless war in Afghanistan.
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What's happening there sucks, no doubt. However a lot of bad, bad things are happening in numerous countries around the world. You can't go around fixing all of them.
What's happening there sucks, no doubt. However a lot of bad, bad things are happening in numerous countries around the world. You can't go around fixing all of them.
Yeah, but we went in and many Afghanis made a huge sacrifice to directly help Canada and the other allies, and there is no way we are going to get them all out in time. We owe it to them to give them asylum, but things are happening so quickly there are going to be many left behind to be tortured and killed. This is a huge #### up on our part.
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Yeah, but we went in and many Afghanis made a huge sacrifice to directly help Canada and the other allies, and there is no way we are going to get them all out in time. We owe it to them to give them asylum, but things are happening so quickly there are going to be many left behind to be tortured and killed. This is a huge #### up on our part.
Oh I agree. I mean for the general population of the country. People say "what about the women and girls of Afghanistan" , there's a lot of women with a pretty brutal existence in more than just Afghanistan.
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Is that how you know you have reached super power status. You can waste resources on a hopeless war in Afghanistan.
China may be smart enough not to get politically entangled in Afghanistan and simply recognize the Taliban as the de jure rulers in exchange for the Taliban not interfering with Xinjiang.
You can control the country, the British did in the 19th century, but it requires a level of murderous brutality that makes the Taliban look like the good guys, the Chinese are up to the task if they think there is something there they need
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Evac/escape route from US and Canadian embassies to the airport.
I don't think the Taliban will interfere with the evacuation (escape) of the westerners. "Behind the scene " diplomacy works. Even if the large Talib forces enter Kabul city during the weekend (smaller groups are already there), they will leave the "escape routes" open. The Taliban don't need to fight considerable NATO "escort forces". All they need to be is patient and let them go then deal with the remnants of the ANA/ANDSF.
As for the locals we're looking to extract, some lucky locals may be able to escape as well, but...here's a scenario playing out in my head:
Taliban: “you Westerners can go peacefully but these Afghans stay here. Do you want to start a new war over these people?”
Talib vanguards spotted in the Char Asyab district, 11 km south of Kabul.
There is surprising silence from all of the national security "professionals" and the very serious Think Tankers on Afghanistan falling apart after ~20 years of their bipartisan BS norms. Usually they occupy a Cable News TV green room like the Taliban rolling up on an Afghan security post.
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Next few months and years will be very upsetting to watch, such a beautiful country falling back into Taliban control. The saddest part, it's all very predictable. The Taliban strategy from the start was just out waiting the West knowing they'd all leave eventually, and well, here we are.
Shame. Like I said, the coalition did a lot of good things. Built thousands of schools, promoting women's rights, infrastructure, etc. Of course, all is for naught if you can't keep it under control and the ANA was a dysfunctional crapshoot from the very beginning and never improved.
Seven Days in Kabul
