"Shaping a Different Destiny: What If America Had Honored" Topic

… its Commitments to Afghanistan in the 1980s?

"…In our timeline, the United States played a significant role in supporting Afghan resistance fighters against the Soviet Union's invasion. But what if this support went beyond covert operations and short-term interests, leading to a more robust and enduring commitment?

Imagine if the United States had committed to long-term assistance for Afghanistan's reconstruction and development. Financial aid, infrastructure projects, and education initiatives could have laid the foundation for a stable and self-sufficient Afghan nation.

In this alternate reality, American support could have focused on strengthening Afghan governance, institutions, and civil society. Training programs for Afghan leaders, bureaucrats, and professionals might have fostered a generation of skilled individuals dedicated to building a prosperous and democratic Afghanistan.

A sustained partnership between the United States and Afghanistan might have curtailed the rise of extremist ideologies in the region. Economic opportunities, access to education, and political stability could have offered an alternative to radicalization, preventing the emergence of groups that would later threaten global security.

American commitment to Afghanistan could have extended to fostering regional cooperation and diplomacy. By encouraging dialogue and collaboration among neighboring countries, the United States might have played a key role in promoting stability and reducing tensions in the broader South Asian region…"

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Armand

Which faction that believed that it controlled 30% of the population are you suggesting we support?
1). No. They don't.
2). Are you planning on building schools for girls? New England town hall Democracy?
3). Will you be turning a blind eye to pedophilia and the ing of little boys?
4). Will you support your faction that is pretending to welcome you against the other factions?

Americans need to stop believing (pretending) that our opinions and strategies are shared by "nations" whose boundaries were drawn up in a drunken session by Europeans who just want to get the Hell out of there.

Democracy failed in that region. Communism failed in that region. Extremist indoctrination has endured for thousands of years. Hatred knows no bounds.

No offense to Afghans, but they live in dirt and that is were they will stay. They will live in the age of Mohammad forever.

Glup!…

Armand

Even a Muslim country could not "govern" Afghanistan.
Iran is Shiite. That's maybe 30% of the population.
Saudi Arabia is Sunni.
They hate each other.
America is perceived to be Christian. 🤷🙄 Debatable. But that's how they see us.

The British had 3 officially named Afghan Wars. Plus many that "don't count" in the reckoning.
Their policy was to go into Kabul, blow things up and leave. In the first, they were driven out by tribes who attacked each other afterwards with glee.
Read "Flashman". And all the novels (historical documents) set in and around Afghanistan. I've said before on TMP that these novels should be required reading for any and all "diplomats" who aspire to "make a difference" in this area.
Throw in "The Far Pavillions", "The Man who Would Be King", and any random cynical novels set in and around Afghanistan.
Cynicism is entirely appropriate.

Alexander the Great had it right. Conquer them, marry a hot babe, and then leave.
The Russians, (Soviets?) failed.
America failed.
Read up on Alex and the Brits. 👍

Correct about Alexander.

Thanks

Armand