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The author was a rating member of the US Home Intelligence Committee after 9/11. She is writer of ‘Madness Protection: Why Our Failure to Resolve Laborious Nationwide Safety Issues Makes Us Much less Secure’
The way during which the US exited Afghanistan a yr in the past has created doubt amongst its companions and allies world wide that it’s dependable and competent. The choice to finish the longest army mission in US historical past was the proper one, however there are six essential international coverage classes to be learnt from that chaotic departure.
First, is that the individuals of Afghanistan want continued US assist — particularly the ladies and ladies whose desires have been dashed by the inflexible reimposition of the Taliban non secular code, in addition to the interpreters and employees whom we promised to guard. America is already the only largest humanitarian donor to Afghanistan. And the Particular Immigrant Visas programme to resettle Afghan residents who labored with US troops has additionally been streamlined and bolstered with extra assets.
Second, the US ought to present acceptable appreciation to its allies. A couple of months in the past, I led a delegation of distinguished girls international coverage specialists to go to Al Udeid air base in Qatar. One story has left an indelible picture. After the suicide bombing in Kabul airport on August 26 final yr that left 13 US service members and an estimated 170 Afghans useless, a four-year-old boy was pushed towards an overcrowded C-130 aircraft. On his manner, he picked up a small bundle in his path, which turned out to be a three-month-old child. Now each kids are wholesome and being reunited with surviving relations.
What would we have now accomplished with out the Qataris, who processed and helped relocate 80,000 refugees? The Emir has been welcomed to Washington and his nation granted “particular standing” as a serious non-Nato ally — a designation that enhances our partnership with a key Center Japanese nation.
The third lesson is to be picky with army missions. A greater mannequin is the function the US has adopted in response to the unprovoked and unlawful Russian warfare in opposition to Ukraine. President Joe Biden was clear that there wouldn’t be US boots on the bottom. As a substitute, he joined Nato and the EU to supply arms and help.
A uncommon and welcome bipartisan motion by Congress is the near-unanimous assist for billions in army and financial help. The Biden administration has additionally continued the counter-terrorism mission as evidenced by the killing of al-Qaeda chief, Ayman al-Zawahiri, in Kabul. These are examples of restricted and achievable targets.
Subsequent, keep away from the type of “mission creep” that occurred as soon as the restricted army mission authorised by Congress after the 9/11 assaults was accomplished. Many people had doubts concerning the “clear, maintain, construct” and “surge” methods which put the US army in control of constructing western-style establishments in Afghanistan and propping up a army command construction filled with endemic corruption. A very egregious episode was the seen assist for Ahmed Wali Karzai, the brother of former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, so he would maintain peace within the Kandahar area.
Fifth, Congress should keep concerned. The 2001 Authorization for Use of Army Power, which I and all however one member of Congress supported, has been the threadbare justification for 41 US army actions in 19 international locations. Congress has by no means amended or changed it. Updating the AUMF can be an effective way to make the case to the American public for why and when US pressure must be used.
Lastly, lesson six: a worldwide technique for US management is required. It’s previous time to construct a compelling case for American management within the post-cold warfare world. Understanding what the US did unsuitable in Afghanistan, discovering methods to supply ongoing efficient assist there, and getting Ukraine and different challenges proper can be begin.