Hidden Forces How America Lost the ‘Good War’ in Afghanistan | Jonathan Schroden
Aug 30, 2021
Jonathan Schroden, Director of the Countering Threats & Challenges Program at CNA and strategic advisor on Afghanistan, dives deep into the complexities of America's withdrawal from Afghanistan. He discusses the public narratives surrounding the chaotic exit and the strategic reasoning behind it. Schroden highlights the failures of U.S. military strategies, the Taliban's adept use of technology for information warfare, and the role of corruption within the Afghan government. He also examines the implications of this withdrawal on regional stability and the threat posed by emerging terrorist organizations.
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Misconceptions of US Withdrawal
- The prevailing narrative of the Biden administration being caught off guard by the Taliban's swift takeover is inaccurate.
- The decision to withdraw enjoyed bipartisan support and was based on a realistic assessment of limited, unsustainable options.
Missed Opportunities
- The US missed a crucial opportunity for post-invasion nation-building in Afghanistan after 2001 due to conflicting strategies within the Bush administration.
- Rumsfeld prioritized a swift exit, hindering efforts to build robust infrastructure and security forces.
Rumsfeld's Underestimation
- Rumsfeld underestimated the resources needed to build a capable Afghan army, overlooking the country's low human capital.
- This lack of foresight led to slower development of Afghan battalions and hampered long-term strategic planning.