1/4/24 Matthew Hoh on the Lessons of Obama’s Afghanistan Betrayal
Jan 8, 2024
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Matthew Hoh, associate director at the Eisenhower Media Network and former U.S. State Department employee, shares his awakening to the true nature of war while serving in the military. He discusses his efforts to hold Obama and the Democrats accountable for ending wars in the Middle East. The podcast explores the mythologization of war, personal struggle, the failures of American military leadership, and the flaws in the political system.
Matthew Ho's attempt to convince Obama to end the war in Afghanistan was ignored, resulting in further suffering and loss of life.
The US occupation in Afghanistan exacerbated the war and harmed American security, challenging the idea that invading countries for preventing terrorist safe havens is a valid strategy.
Deep dives
The Failure of the War in Afghanistan
The guest, Matthew Ho, discusses his experience as a Marine in Iraq and his work at the US State Department, where he opposed the war in Afghanistan. He highlights how he tried to stop the war by urging Barack Obama not to escalate it, but Obama ignored his advice. The lack of a strategic purpose in the war and the refusal to listen to dissenting voices led to further suffering and loss of life. The Afghan war became one of the most unpopular wars in American history, but the political calculations of the Obama administration prevented a meaningful end to the conflict. The discussion also touches on Petraeus' failures and the manipulation of narratives in the military and political spheres.
The Myth of Safe Havens and Proxy Forces
Matthew Ho challenges the idea that invading countries to prevent terrorist safe havens is a valid strategy. He shares his observations from Afghanistan and points out that the US occupation only exacerbated the war and harmed American security. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the true motivations behind wars and how political considerations often overshadow the right or wrong of a conflict. The use of proxy forces and contractors is highlighted as a way to continue wars without the same level of public scrutiny.
The Manipulation of Public Opinion and Narrative
The discussion explains how political and military leaders manipulate public opinion and narrative to suit their interests. This is illustrated through examples of Petraeus' calculated image-building and the management of the war in Afghanistan by the Obama administration. The focus on political calculations, media management, and celebrity status often takes precedence over strategic goals or the welfare of soldiers and civilians. The conversation also highlights the lack of urgency and public opposition to the war, despite its unpopularity and the substantial cost in lives and resources.
Lessons Learned and the Continuing Legacy of Endless Wars
The conversation concludes by reflecting on the lessons learned from the Afghan war and the ongoing consequences of endless warfare. The discussion mentions how generational military officers are learning from political generals and their tactics of manipulation and personal ambition. The failure to hold accountable and learn from past mistakes perpetuates a system where wars continue and billions of dollars are spent, even as the American people remain largely unaware or apathetic. The ramifications of these practices are seen in the current conflicts in Eastern Europe and the ongoing suffering in Palestine.
Matthew Hoh joined Scott on Antiwar Radio this week. They discussed Hoh’s experience waking up to the true nature of war while serving in the military. And they talk about his attempt to get Obama and the Democrats to end the wars in the Middle East just as they had promised to.
Matthew Hoh is associate director at the Eisenhower Media Network and formerly worked for the U.S. State Department. Hoh received the Ridenhour Prize Recipient for Truth Telling in 2010. Subscribe to his Substack and follow him on Twitter @MatthewPHoh