The Pains of Withdrawal

What I've been reading

Hi there.

The last American troops are preparing to leave Afghanistan, according to the Associated Press and CNN; most already have. This may go down as the most complicated decision of Joe Biden’s presidency. As far as I can tell, there was just no right decision here, after two decades of largely stagnant occupation. We could have stayed on the path we’ve been on for so long, but that could mean very little progress for another two decades— the situation would likely remain exactly as it was two months ago. Alternatively, Biden could have chosen to launch a full-frontal assault to wipe out the Taliban, but that would lead to more American casualties that likely wouldn’t be tenable stateside, and would risk radicalizing another generation of extremists in Afghanistan. Which leaves the choice that Biden ultimately chose: withdrawal. But that carries its own suite of potential complications.

CNN reports that a top American general is very concerned about the threat of an unchecked Taliban. The Afghan government just doesn’t appear prepared to defend themselves from a Taliban takeover. And we’re not exactly doing them any favors. According to the AP, American troops vacated the infamous Bagram Airfield without notifying their Afghan counterparts.

But this is still likely the best bad option. That’s why, as the New York Times reports, a diverse bloc of American veterans have endorsed Biden’s decision to withdraw. But it’s hard not to recall the way Daesh emerged in Iraq as the Obama Administration attempted to withdraw from Iraq. The situation in Afghanistan is worth monitoring over the coming years.

In other news, a new NYT essay grapples with the stagnation of modern American political ideology. Axios broke news on the benign story behind Tucker Carlson’s asinine claim that he’s being monitored by the NSA. The NYT takes a skeptical look at President Biden’s optimism regarding the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework. The Texas Tribune covers turmoil in the state’s Republican Party. TIME profiles JD Vance, the controversial author-turned-politician. The NYT reports on the Biden Administration’s efforts to have Julian Assange extradited. And Politico explains why climate activists are opposed to President Biden’s firm approach with China.

Lastly, the AP shows what patio furniture can tell us about the American economy. Cheers to that.

Thank you for caring enough to read.

Be safe. Drink water. You are loved.

Talk to you tomorrow.