The Daily America’s Miscalculations, Afghanistan’s Collapse
Aug 17, 2021
David E. Sanger, a renowned White House and national security correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He analyzes critical miscalculations that led to the swift Taliban takeover. Discussing flawed assumptions about Afghan security forces, Sanger highlights the urgent humanitarian crisis facing those who aided American efforts. He also reflects on the implications of a hasty exit and President Biden's remarks on the withdrawal, contemplating its lasting legacy on U.S. foreign policy.
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Miscalculations in US Withdrawal
- Biden's withdrawal decision from Afghanistan involved key assumptions about the Afghan government and military.
- These assumptions, including the belief in their capabilities and the timeline for withdrawal, ultimately proved flawed.
Overestimation of Afghan Forces
- The US assumed they had ample time before the Taliban could threaten Kabul, relying on intelligence assessments.
- They overestimated the Afghan security forces' effectiveness despite 20 years of training and superior equipment.
Misjudging Afghan Determination
- The US misjudged the Afghan forces' will to fight, overestimating their motivation compared to the Taliban.
- Biden's misjudgment of Afghan forces' readiness is questioned, considering his foreign policy experience.