Thanks Ari. I am very much behind Biden's choice to call it quits. He has the guts that it takes to do this and I think that history will praise him for his brave move.
Couldn't agree more, Ari. The more they spout these unbalanced words, the greater the odds they become cemented in voter minds. And (as usual), we're missing out on in-depth discussions about commercial entities (USA and others) that highly benefitted from 20 years of tax payer funding, while knowing their products were being wasted and falling into the wrong hands.
Thank you for putting this in perspective. The general media coverage has truly puzzled me on this issue and your comments assure me I am not alone or out of step with reality.
Ari, thanks for this great article. This statement, " The recent speculation coming out of Washington just does not match actual public opinion." is on point. I support the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. I totally disagree with NYT stating Biden’s presidency is shattered because of his administration’s decision to withdraw the U.S. troops. Like Biden stated, "it ends here"...no more passing the buck to the next President. Maybe better strategy and planning of evacuating Americans and Afghan allies could have been executed. Can we say that a different way of evacuation would have been better? No one knows but one thing is certain: it is time to nip this in the bud, cut our losses and move on. A hefty two (2) trillion dollars (tax payers' money) have been spent for what? Biden administration should ignore the noise and focus on getting Americans and Afghan allies out of Afghanistan as quickly as possible...20 years is more than enough (it feels like the French English 100 years war). The reason for U.S. troops going into/ staying in Afghanistan has fizzled out.
Thank you, Ari, for being the reasonable voice in the room. I feel certain you've cited the real agenda of the critical voices. Our president and the military are doing their best in a situation that would never be easy.
The media seems to have a short memory. The Trump administration blocked a smooth transition for President Biden. I feel like the wonderful job he has done in only 7 months in office is being forgotten by so many in the media that supported him. Yes, the Afghanistan situation might have been handled differently, but give them some credit for trying to do the right thing now. Positive thoughts!!!!
Ari. I am compete/y behind Biden`s decision to stop the war. However, I amazed that more planning was not enacted. If your going to evacuate, slowly get your people out before you evacuate. We have some troops in countries the USA has defeated. It is not a crime to leave a small amount of troops there, if possible. I think things will cool down. The Taliban, I think does not want war, they have an agenda that they only know about. When the air clears, Biden will be considered an adequate and fine president.
Well said, Ari; Also, could you include a Facebook link in the newsletter so I can share your words of wisdom? I know a few people that need to consider this point of view!
Re: "The recent speculation coming out of Washington just does not match actual public opinion." That is because it is about *their* relevance and *their* employment. Talking heads that regurgitate their shallow thoughts at every chance. So often. Sensationaists! Alarmists! Long overdue, I unfollowed and unsubscribed to a ton of newsy people and orgs this month. You know, media, the further east one goes in this world, the larger (and messier) the crowd shots! In fact, a crowd shot is the easiest thing to get. Had you ever departed from New Delhi's international airport at 1am, in the 90s? Or CDG airport at 9am, pre-Covid? Disorder reigns the further one moves in this world. Human interest stories, too, abound. Because sadness, trauma, inequities, bad luck, and more, are experienced by great many human beings. Such is life! President Biden is doing a fantastic job under extremist circumstances. He has a lifetime more skills, talents, style, compassion, rigour, and care than most members of media. Argh, the media! Tenacious, resilient, empathic Joe. An American treasure with a stellar team and equally honourable First Lady by his side. NA
I wrote this comment on Tuesday morning, from my bed, half asleep, without my eyeglasses on! Am correcting my spelling mistake: Sensationalists! #ArghMedia
I believe when all of this is complete, Biden will not be hurt for his decision. He is the only president who had to courage to do this. So very sad to see what is happening internally in Afghanistan, however this has been the history of this country. We are not miracle workers we are human trying to do the best we can. The war hawks are trying to rewrite history so as usual this is nothing but political not about the individual.
I think a lot of the criticism has been less about the what than the how. This has been a chaotic and confusing process for all involved. That said, President Biden did not benefit from a normal transition in which his predecessor handed over a thoughtful and organized plan. And our Consoler in Chief has been uncharacteristically defensive in response to these criticisms. This will be a dark mark on his presidency, but a mark that fades with time.
Thank you for writing this. Lawrence O’Donnell gave an interesting commentary on this very subject last night. He said we need to make judgements relative to the historic record and according to that record, the Afghan withdrawal is far more efficient than Vietnam. How many people remember the debacle of the boat people refugees which persisted long after the fall of Saigon?
I think Pres. Biden realized it was better to withdraw sooner than later to allow more time for substantive discussion of the matter to take place before the elections. Sensationalism for the sake of ratings does immense damage.
The war was stated by Bush under a false pretenses. He left mess that he could not finish, Obama and Trump didn't either. Is like kicking the bucket. There would not be ever a nice withdraw. Biden did what other only talked about. Kudos for him doing what he said he would. My President.
I have not heard any news person, including you, support Biden. I think he is incredibly brave to have ended this war and attempt to pull our country together after Trump. Trump was my worst nightmare except for Hitler or Stalin. Biden has done the best job that can be done. He should be given a medal for ending this horror of a war.
I agree Deena! Ending the war was the best decision! I don't believe in War and believe that diplomacy is the better way! From what I hear, Trump doomed this to be a failure and our Mr. President Biden is doing the best he can. Whether the August 31st deadline is going to be extended, is going to be a secret so it is not out in the open as more death will occur. We will find out after August 31! Let's hope for the best. We have not won a war since WWII!
god bless you ari, and the usa:) biden did the right thing.* Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.* lots of love:)
Thanks Ari. I am very much behind Biden's choice to call it quits. He has the guts that it takes to do this and I think that history will praise him for his brave move.
Couldn't agree more, Ari. The more they spout these unbalanced words, the greater the odds they become cemented in voter minds. And (as usual), we're missing out on in-depth discussions about commercial entities (USA and others) that highly benefitted from 20 years of tax payer funding, while knowing their products were being wasted and falling into the wrong hands.
Thank you for putting this in perspective. The general media coverage has truly puzzled me on this issue and your comments assure me I am not alone or out of step with reality.
Ari, thanks for this great article. This statement, " The recent speculation coming out of Washington just does not match actual public opinion." is on point. I support the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. I totally disagree with NYT stating Biden’s presidency is shattered because of his administration’s decision to withdraw the U.S. troops. Like Biden stated, "it ends here"...no more passing the buck to the next President. Maybe better strategy and planning of evacuating Americans and Afghan allies could have been executed. Can we say that a different way of evacuation would have been better? No one knows but one thing is certain: it is time to nip this in the bud, cut our losses and move on. A hefty two (2) trillion dollars (tax payers' money) have been spent for what? Biden administration should ignore the noise and focus on getting Americans and Afghan allies out of Afghanistan as quickly as possible...20 years is more than enough (it feels like the French English 100 years war). The reason for U.S. troops going into/ staying in Afghanistan has fizzled out.
Thank you, Ari, for being the reasonable voice in the room. I feel certain you've cited the real agenda of the critical voices. Our president and the military are doing their best in a situation that would never be easy.
The media seems to have a short memory. The Trump administration blocked a smooth transition for President Biden. I feel like the wonderful job he has done in only 7 months in office is being forgotten by so many in the media that supported him. Yes, the Afghanistan situation might have been handled differently, but give them some credit for trying to do the right thing now. Positive thoughts!!!!
Ari. I am compete/y behind Biden`s decision to stop the war. However, I amazed that more planning was not enacted. If your going to evacuate, slowly get your people out before you evacuate. We have some troops in countries the USA has defeated. It is not a crime to leave a small amount of troops there, if possible. I think things will cool down. The Taliban, I think does not want war, they have an agenda that they only know about. When the air clears, Biden will be considered an adequate and fine president.
I believe President Biden is trustworthy and doing the best he can in the most difficult job in the world.
Well said, Ari; Also, could you include a Facebook link in the newsletter so I can share your words of wisdom? I know a few people that need to consider this point of view!
Re: "The recent speculation coming out of Washington just does not match actual public opinion." That is because it is about *their* relevance and *their* employment. Talking heads that regurgitate their shallow thoughts at every chance. So often. Sensationaists! Alarmists! Long overdue, I unfollowed and unsubscribed to a ton of newsy people and orgs this month. You know, media, the further east one goes in this world, the larger (and messier) the crowd shots! In fact, a crowd shot is the easiest thing to get. Had you ever departed from New Delhi's international airport at 1am, in the 90s? Or CDG airport at 9am, pre-Covid? Disorder reigns the further one moves in this world. Human interest stories, too, abound. Because sadness, trauma, inequities, bad luck, and more, are experienced by great many human beings. Such is life! President Biden is doing a fantastic job under extremist circumstances. He has a lifetime more skills, talents, style, compassion, rigour, and care than most members of media. Argh, the media! Tenacious, resilient, empathic Joe. An American treasure with a stellar team and equally honourable First Lady by his side. NA
I wrote this comment on Tuesday morning, from my bed, half asleep, without my eyeglasses on! Am correcting my spelling mistake: Sensationalists! #ArghMedia
I believe when all of this is complete, Biden will not be hurt for his decision. He is the only president who had to courage to do this. So very sad to see what is happening internally in Afghanistan, however this has been the history of this country. We are not miracle workers we are human trying to do the best we can. The war hawks are trying to rewrite history so as usual this is nothing but political not about the individual.
I think a lot of the criticism has been less about the what than the how. This has been a chaotic and confusing process for all involved. That said, President Biden did not benefit from a normal transition in which his predecessor handed over a thoughtful and organized plan. And our Consoler in Chief has been uncharacteristically defensive in response to these criticisms. This will be a dark mark on his presidency, but a mark that fades with time.
Thank you for writing this. Lawrence O’Donnell gave an interesting commentary on this very subject last night. He said we need to make judgements relative to the historic record and according to that record, the Afghan withdrawal is far more efficient than Vietnam. How many people remember the debacle of the boat people refugees which persisted long after the fall of Saigon?
I think Pres. Biden realized it was better to withdraw sooner than later to allow more time for substantive discussion of the matter to take place before the elections. Sensationalism for the sake of ratings does immense damage.
Interesting comparison.
The war was stated by Bush under a false pretenses. He left mess that he could not finish, Obama and Trump didn't either. Is like kicking the bucket. There would not be ever a nice withdraw. Biden did what other only talked about. Kudos for him doing what he said he would. My President.
I have not heard any news person, including you, support Biden. I think he is incredibly brave to have ended this war and attempt to pull our country together after Trump. Trump was my worst nightmare except for Hitler or Stalin. Biden has done the best job that can be done. He should be given a medal for ending this horror of a war.
I agree Deena! Ending the war was the best decision! I don't believe in War and believe that diplomacy is the better way! From what I hear, Trump doomed this to be a failure and our Mr. President Biden is doing the best he can. Whether the August 31st deadline is going to be extended, is going to be a secret so it is not out in the open as more death will occur. We will find out after August 31! Let's hope for the best. We have not won a war since WWII!
god bless you ari, and the usa:) biden did the right thing.* Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.* lots of love:)