Intelligence Squared Afghanistan: What Next?
Aug 20, 2021
Shabnam Nasimi, a British-Afghan activist dedicated to Afghan rights, shares her emotional turmoil to see the Taliban regain power. Shadi Hamid, a Brookings Institution fellow, discusses the broader geopolitical fallout of the U.S. withdrawal, raising concerns about America’s commitment to global leadership. Jeremy Bowen, the BBC’s Middle East editor, examines how this impacts international relations, particularly with allies like the EU and Taiwan. The conversation reflects on urgent action for Afghan refugees, emphasizing the need for ongoing global support amidst rising despair.
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Cruelty and Dissonance
- Shadi Hamid criticizes Biden's speech on Afghanistan as cruel, blaming Afghans for not fighting while ignoring US failures.
- He notes the dissonance between Biden's promise of values-driven foreign policy and the seemingly America First approach.
Historical Parallels and American Hegemony
- Jeremy Bowen acknowledges the need for US withdrawal but criticizes the execution, citing the flawed peace process and corruption.
- He draws parallels between the Soviet withdrawal in 1989 and the current situation, suggesting a potential end to American hegemony.
Conflicted Public Opinion
- Public opinion in the US is conflicted about the withdrawal, with many now catching up to the situation due to shocking images.
- While there's a sense that the US should do more, there's no clear alternative, leaving many torn between withdrawal and its implementation.
