Honestly with Bari Weiss

How We Failed Afghanistan (And Ourselves) with HR McMaster

Aug 19, 2021

H.R. McMaster, former National Security Advisor and three-star general, reflects on the U.S.'s tumultuous two-decade mission in Afghanistan. He discusses the alarming consequences of military deception and critiques leadership failures across multiple administrations. McMaster explores the flawed nation-building efforts, the implications of Biden's withdrawal, and the rise of isolationism in U.S. foreign policy. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about America's future, calling for accountability and a renewed commitment to service.

01:16:37

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Episode guests

Gen. H. R. McMaster

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Consequences of Military Deception in Afghanistan

4min

Reflections on Afghanistan: From Invasion to Withdrawal

23min

Navigating the Afghan Quandary

13min

U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan: Impacts and Implications

5min

Biden's Withdrawal from Afghanistan: A Critical Analysis

8min

Reflections on Afghanistan: Lessons and Accountability

17min

A Call to Pride and Reflection in Service

3min

How did this happen? How did we spend 20 years, over 2 trillion dollars and over 2,000 American lives to wind up losing Afghanistan to the Taliban in under two weeks? Was the mission doomed from the start? Was it political incompetence? Or was it the fault of the military brass who refused to be honest about what it would take to win?

Today, a frank and wide-ranging conversation with H.R. McMaster, former National Security Advisor and three-star general. We talk about Obama, Trump, Biden; the corruption and incompetence of our elites; rising isolationism; and why he’s still bullish about America.

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