Afghanistan will define Biden presidency

OPINION:

There is no way to know how important voters in the 2022 and 2024 elections will regard our botched pullout from Afghanistan, but it is all but certain that the event will be a permanent stain on the Biden administration. 

The president was right to honor our pledge to withdraw our forces after 20 years of stunning expense in blood and treasure, an adventure which benefitted only defense contractors and now ends in futility. 

But it does not take a military strategist to know that before withdrawing all of our forces and diminishing our influence there, we should have ensured the safe evacuation of our citizens and diplomats, as well as the many honorable Afghans who helped us.

Twenty years of failure in Afghanistan, a debacle perpetuated by multiple presidents of both parties, has resulted in a devastating loss for the United States. The sting will be particularly pronounced for Joe Biden.

 

OREN SPIEGLER

Peters Township, Pa.