Pentagon Confirms Last Plane Out of Afghanistan-Did We Plant A Seed?

 General McKenzie discusses the departure of the last plane in Afghanistan. Its interesting because were able to turn a pretty difficult situation (collapsing of Afghanistan Army) leaving us no time to depart in an order fashion. We did a great recovery and as the Taliban filled the power vacuum we are able to create "understandings" with them that while we may have fought in war there are opportunities to secure the area from ISIS-K infiltration. 

The "understanding" that the Airport and equipment would be left to them as long as they secured our departure (I bet ISIS-K didn't' expect that!😲). That wouldn't happen unless there was a diplomatic effort to secure the safe departure of others that decided to stay and/or leave at a future date. You can review the diplomatic effort by the world community to secure free passage. 

This are interesting times. Diplomatic efforts will take time but the final days of conflict has show it is possible to come to some "understandings" under the right circumstances. What the Taliban must ask themselves now is "What is next?" Will they emphasis the Islamic thinking on economics and society building (which Afghanistan needs) or continue out of interest, versus necessity, to take the jihadist approach (which will perpetuate the death and destruction they have experienced in their own lives and generations of their children.) Their choice will determine Foreign Direct Investment opportunities and in turn whether they will walk closer to examples set by Malaysia or the ones by Iran; or something new.

How they decide will determine the ease and/or difficulty the country will face in future relations with the world community. This is their chance ensure their country is free from ISIS-K incursions and on the path to have an opportunity to see if their brand of Islamic state (i.e. there are many versions of the same state throughout history but each failed because it overemphasized the past and didn't look at how to create Salaam (Peace) in the future. The ultimate goal of the three leading monotheistic religions).  

Either way.......I think our Military and Civilian leadership did a great job turning lemons into lemonade (short term strategy) and with luck lemon meringue pie (long-term strategy). To be honest we can say the Taliban was open to a peaceful exit and that will likely factor into new strategies and some of our options in the future. I think we planted a seed but we can't say for certain if its a fruit bearing tree or a life choking weed. 🌱

You can follow General McKenzie on Twitter. Every culture has its seasoned warriors that balance knowledge, experience, and their strengths to make their country a little better place during their time in service. Their job is to protect while others have jobs to grow the economy. We are a society of different roles and parts. You can read a little more about him at U.S. Central Command.