The Ben Shapiro Show

In the Graveyard of Empires: America's War in Afghanistan Explained

Aug 21, 2021
Delve into the turbulent history of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan from the 1950s onward. Discover the complexities of military strategies and governance challenges over the years. Analyze the decisions leading to troop withdrawal and its swift impact on Afghan stability. The conversation critiques the Biden administration's approach and reflects on the failures and lessons learned from America's longest war. This insightful discussion sheds light on the ongoing implications for U.S. foreign policy and its global standing.
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INSIGHT

War's End and Purpose

  • The war in Afghanistan is over, with the Taliban back in power after the U.S. withdrawal.
  • This raises questions about the war's purpose and whether the outcome was inevitable.
ANECDOTE

Early U.S.-Afghan Relations

  • U.S.-Afghan relations date back to the 1950s during the Cold War.
  • The U.S. provided significant financial aid to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a Soviet satellite state.
ANECDOTE

Shift to Communism and U.S. Withdrawal

  • Afghanistan's government shifted from neutral to communist-influenced through coups in the 1970s.
  • The U.S. withdrew support after Ambassador Dubs' murder in 1979.
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