For a moment Afghanistan was back at the top of the headlines, clawing for attention amid the COVID crisis, the political showdowns over infrastructure and voting rights, another horrific mass shooting, and the ever-present currents of race and justice. The occasion for the attention was President Biden’s announcement that he would withdraw U.S. troops by September of this year. It was not a date chosen at random —the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks of 9/11 that launched what has become America’s longest war.
I am conflicted over this. I have worked with Afghans For Tomorrow to provide education for girls, and maternal health care for women. I have mentored one of the first girls allowed to come on a student exchange program to the U S. I have seen the pride taken in the achievements which have come from such efforts, and I have great fear for those who try to continue such programs after the US leaves. I agree it’s past time for troops to go, but ask myself if we are leaving “half the sky” to live in terror yet again.
I read your essay and wondered as well. But I think that there is more here than "this generation's Vietnam." Now, with an all-volunteer military, we have a group coming back that that will oversee our military into the future. This "corporate Army" has been lost on the American people. Our lives were not so intertwined with theirs. In the 1960s and early 1970s, the protests and riots resonated with an American public that was deeply affected by that war in Vietnam because so many of their loved ones were tragically involved in it. We, as a nation, have moved our military from the active consciousness of daily life. Those who served multiple times in Afghanistan and Iraq are not better people. In fact, there is rising evidence of how difficult this return to the US will be for them. Suicides are up. Homicides are up. A homeless man who I encountered last week, a vet who had been a Marine prior to 9-11 and reenlisted in the Army after 9-11 told me horrors inflicted upon American soldiers by American soldiers who were thrust into a conflict sold to them on glory and by politicians who had no skin in the game. How will we, as Americans, with a complete generation now graduating from college never knowing peace, learn to adjust?
As I read the last paragraph of you great essay, I too wonder about the future for the people of Afghanistan. I think back to the stories of women and children being brutalized and enslaved. I hope and pray that the current Afghan government - with all its warts - survives but can't help but wonder if the Afghan government is eventually overrun, will we be looking at another Syria and the horrors inflicted upon the civilian population there. Perhaps one of the problems for us as Americans is that we have ill conceived expectations. My generation grew up with fathers and uncles who fought in WW II. Victory was complete with a definite end-point. Korea was a different kind of victory because South Korea exists and thrives as a free nation today. Then came Vietnam. Roger's comments ring true. But then there was Gulf War I in which there was a clear victory in that Sadam was expelled from Kuwait. I read a quote of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed - the mastermind of the 9/11 attack in which he said, "we will win because Americans don't realize...we do not need to defeat you militarily; we only need to fight long enough for you to defeat yourself by quitting". I believe this pullout will result in a terrible human - and moral cost to the Afghans and to the U.S.
On a separate note, I watched the video of your reporting a decade ago. (I also remember your broadcast of more years than that when you were led in by the Mujaheedin.) I mourn the loss for us of the kind of thoughtful, in-depth reporting you did and continue to do. Perhaps if our news organizations today - from broadcast to most newspapers - aspired to this level of excellence in reportage, we would be better able to develop informed opinions.
I think it is important to remember that Osama Bin Laden and the army he financed with his own money was a conquering hero after the Russian Invasion. He fought for God and Country. It was The Saudi King rejecting him in favor of the Americans for Desert Storm that drove him to his ultimate purpose. He was not ISIS. His defense of the homeland, like for most "over there", is a spiritual quest, a war fought for principle. America has no principles. We can't even meddle in foreign civil wars anymore because we can't hold up our Democracy as a good example. We have domestic terrorists terrorizing us right out in the open, and some broadcasting Worldwide, with no limits and no repercussions. I think it is time we recognized the war at home and focused our attention here.
I was glad to read that you have visited Afghanistan and you know many Afghans personally.
I wonder if on some occasion, one of your Afghan friends addressed you with a very serious face and said: “Who can match the charity of the Americans !”
When you look puzzled, he will explain: “The United States must defend the Saudis and Iraqis because Americans must have Saudi and Iraqi oil. Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan and Somalia… when the American hand stretches out its hand to protect them, those countries know it is because of their strategic value. But when you come to Afghanistan, Afghans know that it is only out of the goodness of your hearts.”
You are still puzzled. Now, punchline: “What do we have for you … goats and Allah.”
I wonder if any other people make fun of themselves and boast at the same time. He means guns, missiles, bombs, drones … throw in everything … keep it up for years. Finally, it will be seen America has lost so much in fighting but the Afghan has lost nothing. What he had when it started, he has at the end: goats and Allah.
After writing this, I wonder if I should send it or not. Maybe you will see the humour, or maybe feel offended. Sorry. It is a very Afghan joke.
I enjoy your writing always but your piece on Afghanistan was special. I wish you would look beyond the borders of America more often.
Thank you Dan for your comments, I was born in 1961 and my father served in the Korean War, I appreciate all of the reporting you did. As an adult now, age 60, I am experiencing as a neighbor and a friend, many of those that served in Vietnam. In my retirement community, Night terrors are regular, and many are homeless. Due to lack of support for veterans benefits which I'm sure you support coming from everything you say… Now, the younger generation that has served in Iraq and Iran and Afghanistan are coming home, with no help at all. Thank you, Dan for letting us know about the situation there during this time, and during times past… We do need some healing. My heart is breaking for those that are traumatized by the conflicts and the lack of veteran support. I want to do more… Please let me know what organizations you support for this veteran support, and I will check them out. Thanks again for your reporting during those difficult times. The reality is here in my neighborhood right now, about those that have served, and choose to remain silent… Let me say that again… They choose to remain silent on their experiences. But when here in our community, we hear them crying out in the night in terror, and the veterans associations or a last resort for them because they're so proud. I feel they just want the pain to end. I am hoping you will let us know how we can help on the homefront.
I have never understood the the Bush administration's response to 9/11. I didn't think it was the correct response then and still don't today. The U.S. response should have been similar to that of Britain after the Pan Am Flight 103 disaster, to open a criminal investigation. Instead, we declared "war" on a tactic of war.
I’m happy our troops are coming home. Seriously, after 20 years and no real “victory” this is a smart move. I too worry about everyone, American and Afghan alike.. ✌️
In my humble opinion? The business of war will never stop here on this troubled world. WHY? "The Evil They" MAKE TOO MUCH MONEY FROM IT! Yahshua the Messiah once said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." Well, then. There must be A LOT of well-heeled war mongers roaming Planet Earth! Sigh.
As an old Army Medic, who's service dates back to the 70's, I've found myself in my father's shoes, and not liking it very much. All four of my sons served in the middle east. I have had to bury two of them. I know we all want to know and believe that we accomplished something in this protracted war. We want to know that our loved one's sacrifices count for something, But, I'm really not convinced, in this case, that they did. I think the last war we really had any business being involved in was WWII. It has been said, tongue in cheek, that a politician is someone who will send your son to die for his country. That comment was made with deadly accuracy. The true cost of any war is impossible to calculate. But, if you look into the faces of the survivors who have to live with it, or the gravestones of the ones who didn't make it, you'll begin to get an idea of the true cost of war.
In one sense I feel we'd be abandoning a country that has ridden itself of havoc. But then on the other hand these are our soldiers living their lives over there. Something has got to give. The one's in power over there honestly, need to cease their nonsense. In the 21st century we have got to be and do better.
There are many forms of engagement with a nation other than war. We can try to leverage all of the tools of peace: diplomacy, support for NGOs and civil society, and more. With war off the table (for us, anyway), this may create the space in foreign policy making for a more robust, less ambiguous engagement.
Has been, divisive hack, please go away
I am conflicted over this. I have worked with Afghans For Tomorrow to provide education for girls, and maternal health care for women. I have mentored one of the first girls allowed to come on a student exchange program to the U S. I have seen the pride taken in the achievements which have come from such efforts, and I have great fear for those who try to continue such programs after the US leaves. I agree it’s past time for troops to go, but ask myself if we are leaving “half the sky” to live in terror yet again.
I read your essay and wondered as well. But I think that there is more here than "this generation's Vietnam." Now, with an all-volunteer military, we have a group coming back that that will oversee our military into the future. This "corporate Army" has been lost on the American people. Our lives were not so intertwined with theirs. In the 1960s and early 1970s, the protests and riots resonated with an American public that was deeply affected by that war in Vietnam because so many of their loved ones were tragically involved in it. We, as a nation, have moved our military from the active consciousness of daily life. Those who served multiple times in Afghanistan and Iraq are not better people. In fact, there is rising evidence of how difficult this return to the US will be for them. Suicides are up. Homicides are up. A homeless man who I encountered last week, a vet who had been a Marine prior to 9-11 and reenlisted in the Army after 9-11 told me horrors inflicted upon American soldiers by American soldiers who were thrust into a conflict sold to them on glory and by politicians who had no skin in the game. How will we, as Americans, with a complete generation now graduating from college never knowing peace, learn to adjust?
As I read the last paragraph of you great essay, I too wonder about the future for the people of Afghanistan. I think back to the stories of women and children being brutalized and enslaved. I hope and pray that the current Afghan government - with all its warts - survives but can't help but wonder if the Afghan government is eventually overrun, will we be looking at another Syria and the horrors inflicted upon the civilian population there. Perhaps one of the problems for us as Americans is that we have ill conceived expectations. My generation grew up with fathers and uncles who fought in WW II. Victory was complete with a definite end-point. Korea was a different kind of victory because South Korea exists and thrives as a free nation today. Then came Vietnam. Roger's comments ring true. But then there was Gulf War I in which there was a clear victory in that Sadam was expelled from Kuwait. I read a quote of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed - the mastermind of the 9/11 attack in which he said, "we will win because Americans don't realize...we do not need to defeat you militarily; we only need to fight long enough for you to defeat yourself by quitting". I believe this pullout will result in a terrible human - and moral cost to the Afghans and to the U.S.
On a separate note, I watched the video of your reporting a decade ago. (I also remember your broadcast of more years than that when you were led in by the Mujaheedin.) I mourn the loss for us of the kind of thoughtful, in-depth reporting you did and continue to do. Perhaps if our news organizations today - from broadcast to most newspapers - aspired to this level of excellence in reportage, we would be better able to develop informed opinions.
I think it is important to remember that Osama Bin Laden and the army he financed with his own money was a conquering hero after the Russian Invasion. He fought for God and Country. It was The Saudi King rejecting him in favor of the Americans for Desert Storm that drove him to his ultimate purpose. He was not ISIS. His defense of the homeland, like for most "over there", is a spiritual quest, a war fought for principle. America has no principles. We can't even meddle in foreign civil wars anymore because we can't hold up our Democracy as a good example. We have domestic terrorists terrorizing us right out in the open, and some broadcasting Worldwide, with no limits and no repercussions. I think it is time we recognized the war at home and focused our attention here.
Dear Mr Rather,
I was glad to read that you have visited Afghanistan and you know many Afghans personally.
I wonder if on some occasion, one of your Afghan friends addressed you with a very serious face and said: “Who can match the charity of the Americans !”
When you look puzzled, he will explain: “The United States must defend the Saudis and Iraqis because Americans must have Saudi and Iraqi oil. Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan and Somalia… when the American hand stretches out its hand to protect them, those countries know it is because of their strategic value. But when you come to Afghanistan, Afghans know that it is only out of the goodness of your hearts.”
You are still puzzled. Now, punchline: “What do we have for you … goats and Allah.”
I wonder if any other people make fun of themselves and boast at the same time. He means guns, missiles, bombs, drones … throw in everything … keep it up for years. Finally, it will be seen America has lost so much in fighting but the Afghan has lost nothing. What he had when it started, he has at the end: goats and Allah.
After writing this, I wonder if I should send it or not. Maybe you will see the humour, or maybe feel offended. Sorry. It is a very Afghan joke.
I enjoy your writing always but your piece on Afghanistan was special. I wish you would look beyond the borders of America more often.
Dona Suri
Thank you Dan for your comments, I was born in 1961 and my father served in the Korean War, I appreciate all of the reporting you did. As an adult now, age 60, I am experiencing as a neighbor and a friend, many of those that served in Vietnam. In my retirement community, Night terrors are regular, and many are homeless. Due to lack of support for veterans benefits which I'm sure you support coming from everything you say… Now, the younger generation that has served in Iraq and Iran and Afghanistan are coming home, with no help at all. Thank you, Dan for letting us know about the situation there during this time, and during times past… We do need some healing. My heart is breaking for those that are traumatized by the conflicts and the lack of veteran support. I want to do more… Please let me know what organizations you support for this veteran support, and I will check them out. Thanks again for your reporting during those difficult times. The reality is here in my neighborhood right now, about those that have served, and choose to remain silent… Let me say that again… They choose to remain silent on their experiences. But when here in our community, we hear them crying out in the night in terror, and the veterans associations or a last resort for them because they're so proud. I feel they just want the pain to end. I am hoping you will let us know how we can help on the homefront.
I have never understood the the Bush administration's response to 9/11. I didn't think it was the correct response then and still don't today. The U.S. response should have been similar to that of Britain after the Pan Am Flight 103 disaster, to open a criminal investigation. Instead, we declared "war" on a tactic of war.
It was never going to end well.
after so long we are not nation builders we cannot change attitudes we can only help if ask.
I’m happy our troops are coming home. Seriously, after 20 years and no real “victory” this is a smart move. I too worry about everyone, American and Afghan alike.. ✌️
Insightful as always--full of perspective and personal recollections. Thank you, Dan.
In my humble opinion? The business of war will never stop here on this troubled world. WHY? "The Evil They" MAKE TOO MUCH MONEY FROM IT! Yahshua the Messiah once said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." Well, then. There must be A LOT of well-heeled war mongers roaming Planet Earth! Sigh.
As an old Army Medic, who's service dates back to the 70's, I've found myself in my father's shoes, and not liking it very much. All four of my sons served in the middle east. I have had to bury two of them. I know we all want to know and believe that we accomplished something in this protracted war. We want to know that our loved one's sacrifices count for something, But, I'm really not convinced, in this case, that they did. I think the last war we really had any business being involved in was WWII. It has been said, tongue in cheek, that a politician is someone who will send your son to die for his country. That comment was made with deadly accuracy. The true cost of any war is impossible to calculate. But, if you look into the faces of the survivors who have to live with it, or the gravestones of the ones who didn't make it, you'll begin to get an idea of the true cost of war.
In one sense I feel we'd be abandoning a country that has ridden itself of havoc. But then on the other hand these are our soldiers living their lives over there. Something has got to give. The one's in power over there honestly, need to cease their nonsense. In the 21st century we have got to be and do better.
Thank you Dan Rather for your insight.
There are many forms of engagement with a nation other than war. We can try to leverage all of the tools of peace: diplomacy, support for NGOs and civil society, and more. With war off the table (for us, anyway), this may create the space in foreign policy making for a more robust, less ambiguous engagement.
It is said that Afghanistan is where empires go to die. We are no exception!