Ukraine needs to watch the Western exit from Afghanistan very carefully. It remains an unfolding disaster that could easily get worse if the Taliban takes Westerners hostage, offers a staging base for global terrorism and beats women into submission. The U. S. debacle was a long time in coming — 20 years and $2 trillion, of which nearly $100 billion went directly to build Afghan’s military capabilities to prevent the Taliban, routed in 2001, from taking over the nation.
The U. S. desire to exit was understandable. Corruption ate up much of the aid. Afghanistan has proven to be hostile and untameable to the British, Soviets, and now the American forces. Criticism from Germany, the United Kingdom and other Western allies amounts to impotent carping.
The lesson for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky: U. S. President Joe Biden and Americans have limited patience with Ukraine’s stalling and obstruction on the anti-corruption front. Western aid should not be taken for granted. It could come to an abrupt end at any time. It is doubtful that Biden will be pleased with Ukraine’s progress when Zelensky meets him in the White House on Aug. 31. Hard deadlines may be coming soon.
