America failed because it was too strong economically and militarily?

With what happened in Afghanistan, the Arab world and further in Vietnam nearly 5 decades ago, many Americans and Westerners could not help but be shocked. What the hell happened? What did the money, intelligence and even the lives of so many people bring back to this world?

Taliban fighters enter Kabul. Photo: NBC News

War, destruction, devastation and the blood of innocent people in the host country and soldiers from both sides… is the answer. The United States had to “withdraw” from Afghanistan, withdraw from a war that, as President Biden had to exclaim on August 16, “our soldiers should not and cannot fight for an army (referring to Afghanistan) that no longer wants to fight for them.”

It’s too late, Mr. President, when you yourself have to list that there were 4 US Presidents “fighting” there. Many Americans have commented bitterly that, in the past 20 years, we have spent so much effort and money to manage a country that is not ours for what? What have we proven?…

Mr. Biden speaks about Afghanistan on August 16. Photo: ABC News

The most painful thing for America and the West is probably that the arrogance based on the power of weapons and money has been slapped too hard. It is not easy for people to digest this injury.

The war started with a noble propaganda purpose of fighting terrorism, but ended with the admission of powerlessness and futility in “fighting to protect interests that are not one’s own”. Is that the reality, an excuse for a bitter ending, or a change of perspective to continue the goal of “international police” in the new context?

It should be remembered that in the late 20th century, it was the US and the West that encouraged, built and nurtured forces opposing the Afghan Government at that time, which was supported by the Soviet Union under the guise of democracy and freedom. Among them were extremist organizations, which now became the Taliban, al-Qaeda, IS...

An Afghan child during the chaos at Kabul airport. Photo: AFP

In his speech, Mr. Biden said that "America should not be put at risk in the future," but can that be done when America still does not want to change its ideology, still wants to impose "American values" on other countries, and still tramples on the right to self-determination of many countries for the benefit of America, which is inherently obtained from its political intervention and war-making?

What many people are concerned about is whether in the future, the Taliban's hold on power will make them and other extremist Islamic forces and terrorist organizations unite more closely to destabilize world security? How will the world respond then? These are still open questions...

US soldiers are pointing guns at Afghan people to maintain order. Photo: AFP

The world will change and that change depends on how nations behave. There are things that have been affirmed from history and the present, that is “American values”, “Western civilization” is not always a nutritious dish for the Muslim community, it is not, must not be something to deprive nations of their right to self-determination; at the same time, a profound lesson for nations is to firmly grasp their independence to take care of themselves, to decide for themselves, otherwise your existence is just serving the interests of others!