Biden’s biggest Failure

To most outsiders (non-Americans) like me, President Biden was suppose to be the global leader, one that would be a collaborative and moderate leader, unlike President Trump whose style of leadership has caused some countries and their leaders to stray further away from the US.

But President Biden’s policies on Afghanistan has been his biggest failure yet. And it could haunt the rest of his presidency if the aftermaths of Afghanistan worsens. In certain aspects of Biden’s actions, he is no different from Trump.

To give some context for readers who aren’t aware…

Back Story

Afghanistan was invaded by the US immediately after the tragic 9/11 events in 2001. The US accused the Taliban government in Afghanistan for holding Al-Qaeda terrorists which were responsible for the attacks of 9/11.

Hence, the war on Afghanistan will be known as the war against terrorism, and its main objective was to destroy the breeding ground of terrorism in the region. The war has lasted 20 years and 4 Presidents. Joe Biden thought it was time to end it this year.

US and NATO troops have largely pulled out over the 20 year war, but this time, Biden wanted a full withdrawal of all US army personnel and end the war.

America has spent $2trn in Afghanistan; more than 2,000 American lives have been lost, not to mention countless Afghan ones. America has also given the new government top class weapons and new infrastructure.

For the first time, Afghan girls were able to go to school. Women could now leave the house to shop and have a coffee at the café. These were things that they could not do when the Taliban were in charge. But America’s presence has brought hope and opportunity to all Afghans.

After the invasion in 2001, there was sharp rise in girls going to school.

The Pull Out

In April, President Biden announced the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. He said that the US’s mission has long been completed after the assassination of Al-Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden. But it was obvious that his main priorities as America’s leader is now in the Asia Pacific and more specifically, China. He didn’t want to spend more resources on a Forever War in Afghanistan.

Fair enough.

Hence, American troops began pulling out of the region. And the withdrawal will complete by August 31st 2021. The US were prepared to leave and give full governing powers to the new Afghan government which it has supported with trillions of dollars (But the new government was very corrupt). According to the World Bank, 40% of the Afghan economy was made up of International Aid.

The Chaos

As America withdrew, the Taliban (the government before America invaded) who were hiding in the mountains and in Pakistan, were beginning to gain territories in Afghanistan.

One by one, the states and cities outside of the capital of Kabul were being taken over by Taliban forces. Despite both the Taliban and Afghan Army having weapons, most Afghan military personnel were not motivated to fight back. The Taliban promised forgiveness if they laid down their guns, and sure enough, the Afghan militants surrendered their provinces to the Taliban.

It was only a matter of time before the Capital of Kabul would be taken over by the Taliban.

There were worries within the West that a similar chaotic situation back in Vietnam would happen again, whereby American helicopters would have to land on rooftops to evacuate US officials. Biden assured that it would not happen. And sure enough, he was wrong again.

As the Taliban entered the gates of Kabul without a fight (the Afghan army surrendered), US helicopters were seen airlifting people off the rooftops of the US and its allies’ embassies. All morning helicopters were seen flying all over Kabul’s skies.

The Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani fled to the UAE before the Taliban entered. The Taliban then took over the Afghan President’s office, as seen in the picture below.

Afghans fled their homes and went straight to the only place still under US control, Kabul Airport.

Long before the Taliban controlled Kabul, Afghans who had the resources were already leaving Afghanistan. Even they knew the Afghan government would stand no chance against the Taliban.

Chaos occurred in Kabul Airport. Afghans tried desperately to board planes leaving Afghanistan. They even grabbed on to landing gear of aircrafts during takeoff and fell to their deaths mid air.

On August 26th, a different terrorist group called Islamic State (IS) carried out a suicide bombing, killing 13 Americans and over 170 Afghans. The Taliban were united with the US against IS and even worked together to foil further attacks.

But as agreed on the 31st of August, the US must withdraw completely. The Taliban said if the US did not fulfill its promises there would be consequences. And Biden caved in insisting on leaving by the 31st, even though some of his European allies wanted more time to evacuate more people. UK Prime Minister pleaded with Biden to extend the deadline, but Biden refused. There were grumbles among European officials on how Biden’s actions were shameful and selfish. The British members of parliament condemned the US president for his selfish behavior.

But, on the 31st of August, all US and NATO forces have officially left. The war in Afghanistan officially ends.

The aftermath

There are many repercussions from Biden’s withdrawal process.

It has made Afghan girls and women lose hope for a better life. Under Taliban rule, going to schools and shopping will no longer be something they can do. (The Taliban has said they would allow it, but stories out of other Afghan cities prove otherwise.)

What about the Afghans left out ? Many Afghans who helped the Western Governments over the years have been left behind in Afghanistan. They lie wondering when will the Taliban come for revenge. America has proved to not be a reliable friend again, leaving friends behind to their own fates.

Biden’s other friends in Europe are left having to bear the consequences of his selfish acts. His decision not to consult them on US withdrawal and not extending the deadline for evacuation has shown European leaders that he has a side just like Trump, one that only puts America first. Europe is left to wonder whether it can fully rely on any American President in the future. Plus, the refugees are more likely to enter European soil compared to America.

Will terrorism return ? Remember that it was the Taliban who helped Al-Qaeda in the attacks of 9/11. And with the withdrawal of US forces, there is no intelligence system left in the region. America and the West lose their ability to better detect any future attacks. Moreover, the Taliban now own the weapons that were given to the Afghan military that surrendered.

Another refugee crisis. Already this is being felt all across the world. Afghans are fleeing to neighboring countries like Iran. Some are even travelling to Turkey and Poland. The massive influx of refugees will cause governments to worry that this would turn into another situation like the Syrian Refugee Crisis. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said that there are already 2.6 million registered Afghan refugees and another 3.5 million still left in Afghanistan after fleeing their homes, and the number is likely to rise.

Biden’s incompetent handling of the the situation has saw his approval ratings dip in the US, with only 44% approving, according to a Washington Post/ABC News poll.

In my opinion, this might be his greatest failure as President so far. Yes, he has done more than Trump in terms of climate change, mega economic spending, building relationships with Europe and increase America’s ability to outcompete China.

But Biden could have at least conduct a more peaceful transition of power and geared up the Afghan army to face the Taliban on their own. He could also have negotiated a treaty between the Taliban and Afghan government officials and retain women’s and girl’s rights. And he should not have shut the door on Europe.

Will the events all through out this withdrawal, affect his presidency moving on ? We shall see.

But for now, Afghanistan is governed by the new Taliban government. Will they change their ways ? They say they will. We shall see.