Biden’s Afghanistan Withdrawal Marks the Day Democracy Was Abandoned, Analysts Say

US Army Humvees were paraded by Taliban fighters at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, marking the third anniversary of President Biden’s withdrawal from the country.

This event highlighted the ongoing influence of the Taliban, who had previously harboured Osama bin Laden and the al Qaeda members responsible for the 9/11 attacks.

The Biden-Harris administration justified the US military’s departure from Bagram on July 1, 2021, with the rationale that “speed equals safety.”

However, over the past three years, this rapid exit has been criticized for contributing to global instability rather than enhancing security.

The exit from Afghanistan left a power vacuum and signalled weakness, which global adversaries have perceived as an opportunity to advance their agendas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were reportedly present at Bagram, marking the occasion as a symbol of Western democratic retreat and the rise of authoritarian influence.

The chaotic evacuation from Kabul, which resulted in the deaths of 13 US soldiers and 170 Afghans in a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate, exemplifies the broader consequences of the US’s withdrawal.

Putin saw the retreat as an indication to proceed with his aggressive actions, including the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Similarly, the power vacuum has emboldened Iran to intensify its aggressive posture towards Israel and pursue nuclear ambitions.

The repercussions of Biden’s decision extend beyond the immediate geopolitical landscape. The messaging of ending “forever wars” has been interpreted by global leaders as a signal of reduced US commitment to international conflicts, encouraging further aggression from state and non-state actors.

Despite warnings from military leaders like retired General Frank McKenzie and retired General Mark Milley, who advised retaining a minimal US presence in Afghanistan, the administration proceeded with the withdrawal. This decision has since been linked to escalating conflicts across Eastern Europe and the Middle East, contributing to what some analysts describe as a global conflagration.

In the face of this growing crisis, Ukraine and Israel are actively challenging adversarial forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demonstrates that decisive action against Russian aggression can counterbalance the impact of past missteps. Meanwhile, Israel is showing that a robust military response to threats from Iran and Hamas can effectively combat regional instability.

As the situation evolves, the international community is watching to see whether the US, under President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, will adjust its strategies to address the emerging threats. The outcome will be pivotal in determining whether the current global security landscape, shaped significantly by the withdrawal from Afghanistan, can be stabilized or if further escalation will occur.