What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?

For my part, I feel as many in this thread. We went to Afghanistan because the policy makers ordered us to. So we did, and for the most part acquitted ourselves admirably. The war was prosecuted poorly from the top leadership for political reasons. And it is ending for political reasons. That is beyond our span of control. We don't make policy, we enforce it. Afghanistan was a zero sum game before we ever entered the country. It is the graveyard of empires. Anyone who worked with the ANA knew they were not up for the challenge. Anyone who worked with Afghan generals and/ or political leaders knew they cared more about themselves than their country. Again, this is outside our span of control. Too echo the sentiment of some of my fellow contributors, this was always how it was going to end.
However, that does not diminish the acts of valor and sacrifice that were made by America's finest and our allies. I am thankful to live in a nation were the best and brightest answered the call to arms. I do not regret my service in the war, nor due I feel it is sullied somehow by events outside my control. I am humbled by the character of the men and women I served with.
Will this event tarnish our global image? Yes. Will this embolden our enemies? Probably. Yet, we will preserve. Of that, I have no doubt. My final thought, I am glad that it is over...for now.

We never learned from our actions in Viet Nam. I flew over 800 combat missions and I know first hand that we could defeat the VC and NVA on the battlefield if the politicians would have stepped aside and let the warriors do their jobs. The evacuation and withdrawal in Afghanistan are so similar to the Saigon exodus and withdrawal. As has been said before "If we disregard history we are bound to repeat it"

Did anyone expect a different outcome? I'll admit that I didn't expect it this quickly but if you've ever deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, you probably knew that once we left, it would fall apart. I really hope the POTUS doesn't send troops back in.

I put the blame firmly on the politicians, and the Generals that went along with their ill planned strategy. Politicians for ham stringing the military and the Generals for going along with it. Time for the high ranking generals to put up or shut up, tell the politicans no! it can't be done this way. Of course that's why you have to be a politican to make it to General. Hell, the lowest ranking private could have told you this would be the outcome 10 years ago. No way would I recommend anyone joing our military now, to much political correctness and BS vs WAR.

20 years of blood and treasure down the drain. Thanks trump.

Although I never served in Afghanistan (I was OIF), it breaks my heart to see this.

I was only Iraq but my father was Vietnam vet n I see similarities between Afghanistan and Vietnam. As supply specialist I feel it is a waste of time resources and troops. In my view they are same except the location and climate. Has anyone learned from history Afghanistan has been meddled with for as long as I know. Russian could not control the region so it's doomed to repeat alot. Learn from history and what there is to learn. Don't repeat same ones.

I did a tour over there 2011-2012. My unit had 4 KIA and another Soldier took his life. Part of me is disappointed, particularly by the fact it took less than two weeks for the Taliban to return to power. It's like their losses were in vain.

But it's balanced out by the fact we were trying to change a country that had been that way for a lot longer than 20 years. We tried to show them a new way, but either they were unable or unwilling to make that change.

Ultimately it's up to them. As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.

"What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?" I think the better question is: How do we get our people (Americans and loyal Afghani's) out of Afghanistan immediately?

I served in Afghanistan long enough to make some friendships that I deeply care about. I've written numerous SIV letters in support of my Afghani comrades' SIV packages being submitted to the U.S. Dept of State. However, the US Dept of State doesn't appear to be responding. Furthermore these guys , who were loyal and helpful to US forces in Afghanistan and have their papers in order, are being turned away by the Marines at Kabul Airport. WTF is going on?!

Is anybody having any luck with the State Dept?

How do I get in touch with the guys at Task Force Dunkirk?

I want to honor CW3 Eric Totten who was killed in 2006. I served with him in Afghanistan 2002/2003. My prayers to the family. My heart breaks as I can't imagine what they are reliving. Just know it was an honor serving with him.