The Daily The End of America’s 20-Year War
Jul 8, 2021
Thomas Gibbons-Neff, a New York Times correspondent based in Kabul, shares invaluable insights on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He recounts the quiet exit from bases like Bagram, highlighting the emotional turmoil and chaotic atmosphere. Gibbons illuminates how local communities grapple with these changes, as shopkeepers face uncertainty amid the Taliban’s resurgence. The discussion captures the profound historical implications of America's two-decade engagement, blending personal stories with the stark reality of transitioning power.
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Empty Base
- Thomas Gibbons-Neff visited Camp Shorab, a base in Helmand Province, after the U.S. military left.
- He found the base eerily quiet, with remnants of soldiers' lives, like the smell of Axe body spray and leftover gym equipment.
Saran-Wrapped Chow Hall
- Inside Camp Shorab's chow hall, Gibbons-Neff found freezers still running, stocked with American food.
- The serving stations were wrapped in saran wrap, creating a post-apocalyptic scene.
Outer Body Experience
- Gibbons-Neff, a veteran, reflects on the experience as an outer-body experience.
- He connects the past and the present through the physical remnants of the war.