America: Bad Empire or Poor Friend?
Modern Military Blog | Future Arms & Current News
Joint Task Force-Crisis Response personnel carrying the remains of fellow service members killed in the Kabul Airport attack, 27 August 2021 Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Andries – https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6809085/spmagtf-cr-hkia-ramp-ceremony
Reflecting on last month’s testimony from Generals Milley and McKenzie, I find myself continually perturbed, akin to an irritating stone in my shoe. As spring progresses, I hope writing about it might alleviate some of this discomfort.
Observing General McKenzie’s demeanor and words, it seems he’s beginning to acknowledge his role in what I consider the most shameful event in our nation since Saigon’s fall. While he was executing orders and that’s not entirely on him, his participation in this regrettable episode is his burden, as it is for many who’ve spent years following lawful orders. I’ve had my share of regrets too, albeit minor in comparison.
General Milley’s case is different. His testimony alone speaks volumes. To be blunt, I wouldn’t mind if I never heard from him again.
As high-ranking four-star Generals, both Milley and McKenzie had a unique chance to stand for those who served, suffered, or fell during the two decades in Afghanistan. The moment the final plane left Kabul, marking the end of the mission, a significant resignation was in order — a silent yet powerful statement for the voiceless, whether due to their rank or circumstance.
There are those who might see merit in the above perspective, and I respect that. However, I refuse to accept this situation as merely another moment to endure until retirement or reassignment.
Fall Of Afghanistan : US Army Intelligence & Middle East Expert Michael Pregent
Holding a high rank brings immense responsibility. If we expect character and honor from those below us, it must be exemplified from the top.
Reflecting on the severity of this situation, let’s consider historical parallels:
- February 15, 1989: Colonel General Boris Gromov of the Red Army leads the Soviet Union out of Afghanistan, crossing the Friendship Bridge. The Soviets were there for over nine years.
- April 15, 1992: Afghan President Najibullah loses power and seeks refuge in a UN compound after Kabul’s fall. The Soviet-trained Afghan Army and government lasted 38 months post-Soviet withdrawal.
Comparatively:
- July 14, 2021: General Scott Miller returns to the US, marking nearly 20 years of American presence in Afghanistan.
- August 15, 2021: President Ghani flees Kabul.
This comparison starkly highlights the Soviet’s relative success in Afghanistan, achieved in half the time.
Considering Vietnam, the last US combat forces left in March 1973, and Saigon fell in April 1975, 25 months later.
Bringing this to the current context, Russia’s further incursion into Ukraine happened just over 25 months ago. Since the Soviet Union’s collapse, the West has been aiding Ukraine’s development, a commitment evident since 2014. Prior to the conflict’s escalation in 2022, Russia was considered a top security threat.
The Ukrainians’ struggle for sovereignty mirrors the resilience I hope Americans would show in similar circumstances. Our support, though seemingly minor, is significant in countering Russia’s military capabilities.
Each month, as Ukraine resists, Russia’s threat diminishes. Our support isn’t just strategic; it’s morally justified.
Despite the larger European powers’ hesitance, our responsibility is clear. Allowing Russia to prevail in Ukraine would be detrimental; restraining her ambitions there is essential, achievable without American troops on the ground.
Two counterarguments to this perspective seem valid but ultimately falter:
- Focusing on China: True, China poses a threat, but we can address multiple challenges simultaneously. Unlike a potential conflict in the Pacific, which would be maritime and aerospace-focused, the current land war in Ukraine involves different allies and dynamics. Abandoning Ukraine could deter potential allies against China.
- Risk of Russian collapse: The potential chaos from a defeated Russia is concerning, but it’s hypothetical. A Russian victory in Ukraine presents a more immediate and tangible threat.
Recent polls (excluding specifics due to reliability concerns) show varying degrees of support for the US in the Asia-Pacific region. Notably, there’s been a decline in some nations, possibly influenced by external factors like our stance on Israel.
This leads to broader questions about our effectiveness in building credibility as an ally, particularly in countering China’s influence in the region. Our performance in this global “varsity football” seems lackluster.
Indeed, these issues are interconnected, demonstrating the complexity and breadth of global political dynamics.
Written by CDR SALAMANDER
