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Scott Horton Show - Just the Interviews
9/5/24 James Carden on the Afghanistan Withdrawal and Kamala Harris’ Foreign Policy
Sep 10, 2024
James Carden, a seasoned writer and former U.S. State Department adviser, dives into the fallout of the Afghanistan withdrawal. He critiques Obama's initial missteps and highlights Trump's ignored instincts. The discussion shifts to Biden's role in the chaotic retreat. Carden also examines Kamala Harris as a rising figure in foreign policy, critiquing the establishment's support for her and the implications for future U.S. engagements. They tackle the dualities of political endorsements and the ongoing complexities shaping American foreign strategy.
01:05:34
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Quick takeaways
- Obama's foreign policy initially aimed for withdrawal from Afghanistan but ultimately succumbed to military pressures, increasing troop levels instead.
- Kamala Harris's alignment with the foreign policy establishment raises concerns about continuity in approaches to U.S. involvement overseas.
Deep dives
The Misguided Afghan Withdrawal
The discussion emphasizes President Obama’s initial intentions to end the Afghanistan War upon taking office, but he ultimately succumbed to pressure from hawkish advisors, resulting in an increase in troop levels rather than a withdrawal. After a ten-month policy review, Obama agreed to send additional troops to Afghanistan, contradicting promises made during his campaign. This relationship between the civilian leadership and military advisors highlights a significant concern regarding the erosion of civilian control over military decisions. The narrative illustrates how subsequent administrations, including those of Trump and Biden, faced similar obstacles when attempting to shift U.S. foreign policy towards withdrawal from Afghanistan.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode