America’s ugly exit from Afghanistan became inevitable years ago

This is an opinion item.

Author(s)	Chicago Sun-Times editorial board
Source	Chicago Sun-Times
Date	August 16, 2021
URL	https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/8/16/22627901/afghanistan-withdrawal-president-job-biden-taliban-editorial
Quote	That the Afghanistan military showed so little resistance, even with a huge numerical advantage and with arms provided by America, revealed just how unrealistic it was to ever believe the U.S. could build up a new nation strong enough to resist the Taliban. Yes, Afghan soldiers complained about not getting paid, about not having enough food, about running short on ammunition. But something more basic was at work: They simply lacked the sense of national purpose and identity they needed to stave off defeat.

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This item argues for the position Withdrawal was justified on the topic Withdrawal of United States troops from Afghanistan (2020–2021).