Scott Horton Show - Just the Interviews
1/4/24 Matthew Hoh on the Lessons of Obama’s Afghanistan Betrayal
Jan 8, 2024
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.
38:45
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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