The Headline Editorial: America Betrayed Afghanistan

Before we begin discussing the Afghanistan pull-out, we should discuss why America went into Afghanistan in the first place.

America went into Afghanistan as a result of the 9/11 terror attacks. They accused the ruling Taliban of protecting terrorists and aiding them as well. They successfully overthrew the Taliban eventually, and installed a democracy (sort of). (That is a brief description, and very short in length and details).

When President Biden first announced that all U.S. troops would pull out of Afghanistan, he received support from most Democrats and some Republicans. Most people expected the Afghan government to defeat the Taliban without American assistance. "We did what we came to do." he said. And they did. They killed Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind of 9/11 and the leader of the terrorist group al-qeada.

Nobody expected the Taliban to take over.

When the Taliban began to gain control of provincial capitals, there was inaction on Biden's part.

When the Taliban began taking over parts of Afghanistan, Biden stood by his withdrawal, and not only didn't order drone stikes etc. but continued to pull troops out. At this point most people knew that this was a Berlin 1945 moment, except it was Kabul in 2021. Did America send military aid? No. Did America stop it's withdrawal? No. Did America even slow or delay the withdrawal? No. Drone strikes? No. Rocket attacks? No. America continued to withdraw their troops and despite knowing what the Taliban was capable of.

Many Afghans risked their lives and the livelihoods to help American troops. They risked everything they had. They knew that is the Taliban took over, they could be tortured, beaten and killed. And yet they still fought for freedom. America evacuated diplomats, citizens, and civilians. And yet they left those who fought for them and risked their lives for them to die under Taliban rule. They left journalists to be beaten for telling the truth. They left women to be oppressed and abused. They left criminals to have their hands cut off. They left murderers to be shot in the head by a family member of the victim. They left all of us to be more vulnerable to terrorists attacks like 9/11. ISIS-K and al-qaeda could rise again. And if the World Trade Center comes tumbling down, blame America.

Before we go it's important to mention that Afghanistan flag has changed. But I ask that Jetpunk keep it the same. The flag of the Republic of Afghanistan in order to show support for everyone America left behind.