Comparing American and Soviet Withdrawals from Afghanistan: A Case of Double Standards in Foreign Policy

The current American withdrawal from Afghanistan is often compared to the Soviet exit in 1989, but while both involve withdrawals of foreign forces, the similarities end there. The Soviet exit came after a protracted and devastating conflict against the Mujahideen, with support from a coalition of 26 countries, including NATO and non-NATO powers. In contrast, the American withdrawal marks the defeat of a Taliban regime backed by only two geopolitically insignificant allies, Pakistan and Qatar.

The American forces left Afghanistan without achieving their strategic objectives and handed over the region to the very monsters they once created. This raises questions about the trustworthiness of the United States as a dependable ally, especially for non-Western and non-European countries. This new reality is exemplified by the abandonment of the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in the Middle East, leaving them vulnerable to Islamic State-backed elements.

American Policy and Trustworthiness

U.S. policy has inadvertently reinforced the perception that the United States is unreliable when it comes to non-Western and non-European countries. The historical trend of leaving behind allies that are not deemed 'White Christian' or have not fully subordinated their sovereignty also illustrates this pattern. Countries like Korea, Japan, and Saudi Arabia have found themselves abandoned by the U.S., a stark contrast to the unequivocal U.S. support during times of crisis for Western European nations.

During the Cold War, the United States criticized the Soviet Union for their hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan. However, 20 years later, the U.S. finds itself re-deploying elsewhere, implementing a similar 'peace with honor' strategy reminiscent of the Vietnam War. This shift in foreign policy highlights the double standards that often characterize U.S. actions in the international arena.

Revisiting Henry Kissinger's Perspective

Notably, these events echo a quote from former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. He famously stated:

“America has no permanent friends or enemies only interests.”

These words encapsulate the pragmatic and often cynical approach to international relations that has characterized U.S. foreign policy. The current situation further validates Kissinger's view and has led to a cautious stance among newer strategic partners like Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, who are now hesitant to fully align themselves with the United States.

The withdrawal from Afghanistan will have significant geopolitical ramifications, including the potential resurgence of extremist forces, the destabilization of neighboring countries, and a decrease in American influence in the region. It also raises questions about the future of U.S. military and strategic commitments worldwide.

Conclusion

The comparison between the American and Soviet withdrawals from Afghanistan is more complex than meets the eye. While the Soviet exit was a costly and prolonged conflict, the American withdrawal is marked by failure, trust issues, and geopolitical consequences. This episode serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and sometimes unreliable nature of U.S. foreign policy and the need for a more consistent and diplomatic approach to international relations.