Esper not confident in Afghanistan troop withdrawal before election

We’ve been there for almost 19 years. Their security and defense forces have shown no signs of improving nor have they shown signs of making an effort to do so. When is enough enough?

SSG (Join to see) - MAJ James Woods Both countries have cultures we did not well understand going in, we have tried to get them to do things our way, and it is not working out well. I worked very closely in Afghanistan with the locals and am reading Horse Soldiers right now and I do not think we will be able to leave safeguards in place for the Afghan government to work with the Taliban. I don't think that is on us as much as the people there change alliances with the blowing of the wind. Self governance is hard and I just don't think it interests many living in the Middle East.

Pulling out of Afghanistan will allow them revert back to tribalism, but that's who they are. Until they have leadership who want to evolve them them into a global society, they will always be a tribalists destroying each other. Some cultures cannot be domesticated no matter how much example you show nor how many bombs are dropped on them. Even the most moderate of those who dislike the constant state of conflict have ingrained, cultural ideals that are incompatible with modern societal values.

MAJ Byron Oyler That’s why we should study history when we plan to invade and overthrow a country. Exit strategies are important as we learned the hard way.