More Thoughts on Afghanistan…

In reading all of the disappointing news about Afghanistan, one thought returns to my mind:
What did we, or anyone, expect?

A perpetual and ineffective occupation by various nations?

The Afghanistan National Army to be anything but corrupt and opportunistic?

A national and societal lightbulb to illuminate as they suddenly “got it” and became a growing and engaged player in domestic/regional efforts?

No.

I had no illusions… I had no such illusions before I went there in 2004, my year there, and since I left.

Perhaps, and this is a big “perhaps,” the bigger problem was that it was always someone else’s problem as soon as it wasn’t directly ours. We forgot… We were distracted… And now, we are surprised… disgusted… or saddened that the reality we expected but hoped against – with little else in terms of direct action – has come to fruition.

I have always said “vote responsibly,” because things like this are the result…

I have always said “pay attention,” because events like these are always in progress…

This is not good… for Afghans, for neighboring countries, and for us. After all, the quagmire of involvement in Afghanistan preceded the fall of the Soviet Union by just a few years… and nothing ever good comes from losing face on such a massive scale.

Folding the birds prior to returning home, 23Mar2005 (Source: Author)

“Steel Beach” at Bagram, Afghanistan, 23Mar2005 (Source: Author)

Afghanistan has become part of the foundation of not only who I am, but of this blog – enough to warrant its own category and incessant links to relevant posts. It will continue to shape my perspectives of my involvement in larger conflicts and – more appropriately – it will remain foremost in my mind with lessons and musings on future conflicts which I may or may not see, but my son and daughter will definitely have to contend with.

Originally, I was going to write my thoughts about Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani and his reassurances to the people of Afghanistan yesterday:

We have held extensive consultations with everyone within the government and international partners… Consultations are ongoing and the results will be shared soon.

Today, I realized how fluid and dire the situation in Afghanistan is:

President Ashraf Ghani leaves Afghanistan

That didn’t take long.

Nor will it take long for the trickle of refugees, fleeing violence once again, to once again become a flood into the neighboring countries which are already experiencing their own turmoil and strained resources.

[sigh]

Where did this all break down?

With the usual suspects – with the politicians, those who “report” on their activities, and with us – those who have failed to understand our role in promoting the former entities…

Rather than reporting on the facts which indicate policy direction, the traditional medial has largely failed their audiences, and the national policy as a whole, by providing nothing more than sensationalist hit-pieces which have become more digital yellow journalism than actual reporting.

The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) provided report after report on the overall progress as well as plans on their site since 30Oct2008. They have also chronicled the $115 billion allocated for “relief and reconstruction since 2002.” All that was needed to provide some semblance of understanding what has been going on to guide the decision for political support for what would be the result was a bit of time and the curiosity of seeking out the sources directly, rather than trust the pundits of favor.

Now…? We can use the same technology with ease to find out the material losses to date:

Aircraft and Helicopters (23, of which destroyed: 7, captured: 16)
7 UH-60A Blackhawk: (1, destroyed) (2, destroyed) (3, destroyed) (4, captured) (5, captured) (6, captured) (7, captured)

On 2Jul2009, in “Theory, Practice, and Doctrine,” I closed with Clint Eastwood’s “Empty Chair” speech from 30Aug2012. However, one part which I didn’t share at the time resonates:

But I’d just like to say something, ladies and gentlemen. Something that I think is very important. It is that, you, we, we own this country.
Yes, we own it. And it’s not you owning it and not politicians owning it. Politicians are employees of ours.
And, so, they’re just going to come around and beg for votes every few years. It’s the same old deal.

For the most part, I disregard – with contempt – what Hollywood folks have to say about politics; their opinions are typically vapid and fickle, depending on what directions the political/public opinion winds are blowing. In this case, however, it lends to the consistent theme I have had over the years – both on this blog as well as my unattended Facebook page:

We are to blame as much as we are the ones to be credited.

I am genuinely trying to remain optimistic with my current mood as I wrestle with the associated emotions… and I will entrench momentarily into my usual mode. However, I cannot help but be pissed for the time being… and you might just have to let me be pissed for a while; it’s a process.