Afghanistan After the West’s Withdrawal

[@GariSullivan]

This is the type of thing that makes social media so important and so underrated. Thank you to all of those involved for taking the time to put this together. You have produced a lot of of valuable insight and information.

[@sandradeblois8776]

This was a very interesting conversation with very knowledgeable guests and host. Thank you for shedding much needed light on these very complex and deeply concerning issues.

[@sampal7221]

As an Afghan, I always expected Rory's point of view on Afghanistan. I watched his documentary, listen to and followed him on social media. I think he is the new generation of British politicians that puts humanity and realism First than political-institutional agendas. I also can say that US politics not only humiliated western democracy but Afghan people too. Big time. The US left a very bleak and untrusted narrative of democracy for Afghans. I also wanted to thank all of you great people for your attempts to help Afghanistan. It is unfortunate for Afghans and also people who helped, supported Afghans over the long years of war. People like you guys have done so much that it is unlikely it can be replaced. My prayers with lost souls on both sides Afghans and military personals who lost their lives.

[@sandratessem9980]

Love Rory on Lawrence of Arabia

[@dominichirst4518]

Very impressed with the content and level of discussion. It makes it almost more painful that there must be many more individuals who really understand the situation over the years but have been unable to influence the politicians.

[@tamaliaalisjahbana9354]

There are so many talks about Afghanistan and this is one of the best. Both Rory and David really know what they are talking about. It seems that the American civilian government was confused about what they wanted to achieve in Afghanistan and what strategy needed to be used. President Bush was against nation building but I think Petraeus changed Mr Bushes mind when he was the only successful general in Iraq in Mossul. He placed him in charge in Iraq and he did a very good job. But when Obama became president and announced that the US was not in the Middle East for nation building. He also removed two of the generals best at nation building, McCrystal and Petraeus. That set the tone for confusion. A confusion that has remained till the decision to withdraw and the incompetent evacuation Nation building needs to be done with a clear plan and determination and it takes at least two generations of children who have grown up in the values of democracy and humanism. That is at least 50 years.

[@rabcatherwood8720]

Excellent conversation.

[@Johnconno]

If you were born yesterday, were you?

[@DavidNesbit_theTHINKER]

Thank you to the Daily Maverick for hosting such a thought-provoking webinar on the most topical subject of the current Instability in Afghanistan.

[@theprecariatswarm3468]

Thanks a lot

[@Logic78600]

Rory Stewart is the best prime minister UK never had

[@ianbelanger7459]

At about 46:00, the fundamental misunderstanding of U.S. foreign policy is exposed. From the start of the Cold War to 1989, U.S. foreign policy was about containment and it was a core part of demostic politics. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, there was no refocusing of U.S. policy. There were no changes in goals or expectations. This pull out is the end result of all parties neglecting global strategy for 30 years. Looking out from the U.S., energy independence and only 8% of GDP in exports combined with global outrage at the U.S. imperialistic foreign policy make it a very easy choice to pull out of the whole region. As evidence, note the lack of U.S. response to the taking of a South Korean tanker by Iran over New Year 2020-2021.

[@charsibaba6960]

Good to hear a realistic appraisal that differs from our western MSM which is currently in panic and fear mode.

[@endasims3443]

If you were a Falkland islander, from the north of Ireland, from Gibraltar or any other British colony would you have 100% confidence in the British government standing by you .?

[@stevenrickett4333]

So far so good.

[@chriswatson3464]

They chose a relationship with Britain and are not colonies.

[@michaele.4702]

I mostly agree with what's been said here except the "if we pulled troops out and it collapses then it doesn't mean it's a failure" Actually it does it means you failed to plan to ever be removed and Afghanistan is a prime example of that failure the army was trained to fight against insurgents with little of no hardware "tanks apcs" with calling in bomb strikes to take care of them, where were they going to get the bombs, the planes Did we train any afgan army to be heli pilots? No so then How tf were we Ever going to leave? and yes I know very well about irregular warfare I wrote COIN.

[@trevorloughlin1492]

Pakistan's double dealing did not help matters. The best interests of Afghanistan would be served by dividing the country into a Westernized region where females can take refuge, and a male only "Islamic" region. This would require a short re-invasion and building a wall comparable to the border separating North and South Korea.

[@Jose-rl8gk]

Like Afghanistan, It seemes to me like we got our asses kicked in world war 2. All the way from USA

[@kostekjurkiewicz2520]

Resembles discussion of German generals, why Germany lost WWII to Soviets. Too much Anglosuxon arrogance.

[@jezalb2710]

German generals knew why they lost. They lost to western powers too. Soviets without american help would have failed.

[@Johnconno]

A load of lies.