"Afghanistan: Rhetoric and Reality", Rory Stewart, The University of Kansas

[@batandball617]

The accuracy of Rory’s predictions have been 100% on point. The world is now a more dangerous place because the powers that be have ignored these warnings. It hasn’t taken 30 years for his predictions have come true.

[@jasmineluxemburg6200]

Rory Stewart is a really nice guy. Principled. Sincere. Heart in the right place. Exceptional for a Tory. I am sure his determination to see for himself a land of a history of struggle and conflict are an important part of this achievement. modest and funny too. We the audience therefore trust his depiction and critique of foreign policy approaches. It occurs to me that developed countries took a long time to become stable, democratic and humane. We have bloody and conflict torn histories. We have carried out inhumane policies in other peoples countries, exploited their resources, maligned their values and cultures...... I think I am right, when Ghandi was asked what he thought of western civilisation he replied “I think it would be a good idea” ! We need more people like Rory in positions that need humility and an open mind when approaching supporting recovery from devastation. It is not often that someone long in the tooth, like me, discovers someone who has influence and status who is also worthy of well founded respect, though they are of a party I have little reason to respect. I love his subtle piss take of diplomatic jargon ! I am not sure, but I think he is locating the myopic self admiration , the immense arrogance at the heart of western interventions. I just hope those who need most to hear his message, are listening and do take away a more thoughtful approach ! I recall a response from a local in Southern Ireland in the 1970 s when we naively asked for some directions having got lost on winding lanes... he stroked his chin, pausing as if in thought, then said “well , if I was wanting to get to.... I would not be starting from here “ !! I think Afghanistan May be in exactly that unfortunate spot. The result of experiences and occupations that have no obvious sure path out , but in possession of the legacy of history at the hands of invaders who came with big plans . They all left without success. So round we go again ! So who are the ones lacking wisdom ? Who is it that needs to learn and from whom ? Who is, and who is not willing to learn enough to see things from another’s perspective !

[@caliberx5306]

A year later in 2020, bombs are still going off in Afghanistan, talibs are still conducting daring raids almost everyday, isn't it time to facilitate a serious discussion with warring parties and let them choose the course of their future?

[@cahillgreg]

That anecdote re directions is even older than you and your brand of naivety.

[@Bvic3]

44:20 "The Training of the army is a relative success."

[@JG-ib7xk]

Really?

[@Bvic3]

@@JG-ib7xk I'm quoting what he said. (Also, the problem isn't a lack of training, but a lack of willingness of Afghan soldiers to be an occupation army)

[@mmendi1114]

Wonderful points in the lecture, however it would be better to mention that the part in which Mr. Stewart mentions countries like Iran are not willing to cooperate to bring development to Afghanistan, is not entirely correct. See, Iran is well aware of the threats that extremist ideological groups can pose and rationaly it would try to decrease the dangers of such potential threats. It actually helped America during the tragedy of 9/11. Things went wrong when after helping out America went on to openly call Iran an Axis of Evil itself. Well there went that epsilon of trust down the drain... .

[@mmendi1114]

Also its funny that he believesthere is no way that the Taliban will be able to hold power again.. and yet currently thats exactly what it is doing

[@TheWolfgangfritz]

I've looked at his book and thought over his motive to stay at 500 different hovels every night for months. What did it accomplish. Spending a week with a dozen poor families would have had the same result. It's not like he was engaged with literate knowledgeable Muslims where politics, Quranic Theology and Social challenges were discussed in their native languages. Rory only even had less than an adequate fluency of a Persian Dialect not adequate past the usual customary pleasantries! Poverty, illiteracy and Tribal Customs among the rif-raf of society doesn't equip one with the solutions of Afghani Anthropology. He writes, it was assumed that he was a Muslim! Well, one would think it becomes pretty clear if you are a Muslim just by the customary daily prayers, washings and dialogue. Personally I wouldn't have attempted this unless I could resite the Quran by heart in the Arabic and perfected at least two of the Afghani languages. I think the whole venture was far too wreckless!

[@mmendi1114]

perfectly stated...

[@anthonyrussell3626]

My goodness, I have a huge respect for this man, who I could call one of the UK's sole remaining 'statesman' in the true sense (except that he's understandably left politics). He combines great knowledge on the ground, great eloquence & a frighteningly sharp mind. (Wish we had at least one of these qualities in our present government - he does credit to Eton, which needs it at the moment). I would challenge one point & that is his insistence that the idea that Afghanistan might have mineral resources driving the West's interest, is nothing but a 'conspiracy theory'. I'd heard from the knowledgable that there were, so I double checked in Wikipedia, & I quote "Afghanistan's resources could make it one of the richest mining regions in the world." (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mining_in_Afghanistan

[@Jablicek]

Some of those mineral discoveries look to be later than this talk was given, so that may account for a discrepancy.

[@pilotactor777]

It has staggering wealth. Its evident as you fly over. Even the emeralds from the panshir are the best in the world. Lithium is not the only mineral/ metal there.

[@pilotactor777]

Btw......opium has been driving the west interests......worth staggering billions..

[@jianx20011]

Stope please America great for whole EU and Australia too

[@beammeup8458]

This introduction is disgusting .... absurd promotion of some woman ...who wrote a book ....OMG IT KEEPS GOING ON ..... She cannot shut up ....I assume that Rory is not there ...7,5 minutes of blah ....