The Taliban Advance in Kabul: Was Trump’s Deal the Culprit?

The Situation in Kabul

Kabul, once the bustling capital of Afghanistan, is rapidly falling under the Taliban’s control as their military advance continues at a rapid pace. The current evacuation efforts at the U.S. embassy are in full swing, amidst the chaos of this unfolding tragedy. While the narrative provided by the media often focuses on the mistakes of Biden, there are deeper, systemic issues at play.

Media Perspective and Blame Game

Media reports have predominantly highlighted the victimhood angle, placing all the blame on President Biden. It is claimed that after 8 months in office, he had no ideas of his own, and that his advisors only worsened the situation with their 'woke' policies. However, questions remain—was the 2019 deal between Trump and the Taliban a significant factor in the Taliban’s rise to power?

Trump’s Deal and Its Impact

From the available information, it is clear that Trump did strike a deal with the Taliban in 2019, though it excluded the Afghan government. This deal, while controversial, was intended to facilitate a negotiated peace agreement. However, the success of the Taliban's military strategy cannot be attributed solely to this agreement. Instead, the crux of the problem lies in the conduct of the Afghan military and the corruption within the government.

The Role of the Afghan Military and Government

The Afghan military's decision not to fight has played a crucial role in the current crisis. Despite being equipped with billions of dollars' worth of arms and military training, the Afghan military's failure to resist effectively is a significant blow. In contrast, the Taliban's strategic planning and organization were key factors in their rapid advancement. However, this success is overshadowed by the Afghan military's lack of resolve to defend their country.

Corruption as a Primary Factor

The corruption within the Afghan government, which is among the most corrupt in the world, has further weakened the nation’s defenses. This corruption extended to the highest levels of the government, undermining the effectiveness of any military endeavors. The U.S. government’s decision to cut funds and resources for Afghan forces without providing adequate support or training also contributed to the situation.

The United States' Responsibility

While the Afghan government and military are responsible for their own actions, the U.S. has a significant role to play in the overall strategy. The decision to cut funding and resources to the Afghan military without providing adequate support may have inadvertently led to this situation. The U.S. must take responsibility for the resources it provided and the conditions it created, which have now contributed to the collapse of the Afghan government.

Conclusion

The Taliban's rapid advance in Kabul and the subsequent situation in Afghanistan are complex issues that involve multiple factors. While Trump's deal with the Taliban can be seen as a contributing factor, the failure of the Afghan military and government, along with U.S. policy decisions, have also played significant roles. It is important to understand the multifaceted nature of this crisis to find effective solutions for the future.