All purpose news and politics thread part VI: This Is Not The Time For Posing

[babyblob]

The difference is the Taliban knows that protecting terrorists who don't give a single you know what about them isn't worth pissing the US office who will come over, dismantle their government in a few weeks, kill a bunch of their soldiers and send them in hinding until however many years the US decides to leave. It's risk reward. The Taliban will never compete with the US. They tried to flex muscle once and they were basically a mouse that a cat played with until the cat got bored.

Biden only left because the last three admins tried to leave and he was in a position where nobody wanted to be there anymore. Biden isn't a pacifist who resists war. He'll go if the situation merits it

The Taliban can not compete with the USA on the short term. But in the long term if and I mean if Biden does invade if they do anything against the USA they just have to play the waiting game again. Another 20 years. They will do it if they have to. America does not have the stomach for long term.

I dont see Taliban doing anything though because they got what they wanted. A country back. The fact that they are in the capital and yet not going after American troops or the embassy kind of shows they are fine with laying low against America. At least for now.

[Robotman]

Statement by President Joe Biden on Afghanistan

Read it and decide for yourselves. I'm not convinced yet.

After 20 years the cost of of our time in Afghanistan is estimated to be $2.26 TRILLION. It’s a horrible situation for the Afghan people but there was nothing more that we could do.

No surprise the Taliban is taking over so quickly. On one side you have religious fanatics willing to do anything for their beliefs and the other side were soldier asked to fight for a corrupt and feckless government they barely have any loyalty to. It’s very scary to think that the Taliban now has about $90 billion in American military supplies to add to their arsenal.

I just hope they gave the Afghan people (especially the woman) a lot of warning about what was about to happen. Get the hell out if you can!

I’m really hoping the US at least created some means of escape for them.

[The Cool Thatguy]

People don't undersand that Afghans don't have a national identity the way we think of it in the traditional sense. They care more about their own regions and tribes. The central government hasn't meant a thing there since the Cold War. Like 80% of the country did not feel any improvement by the US putting a puppet government there. The people that lived in and around Kabul were the only ones who would have cared and by this point they are surrounded and on an island facing immenent death if they resist and the government the US put there kinda sucked anyways.

I understand that, but you'd think that army officials would be savy enough to know that the Taliban would put their heads on the chopping block if they simply surrendered, as they have been doing. If they can't fight for their own lives and lesser evil, then that's on them.

[JackDaw]

People don't undersand that Afghans don't have a national identity the way we think of it in the traditional sense. They care more about their own regions and tribes. The central government hasn't meant a thing there since the Cold War. Like 80% of the country did not feel any improvement by the US putting a puppet government there. The people that lived in and around Kabul were the only ones who would have cared and by this point they are surrounded and on an island facing immenent death if they resist and the government the US put there kinda sucked anyways.

To be honest I’m not sure how many Brits have “a strong national identity”….not when it conflicts with self interest. Not convinced that many of us (Brits) would die for their country’ least of all our senior politicians. Is America any different?

What most Brits do have is a healthy survival instinct, and a love of close family and friends…these are the things I think more people think are worth fighting for, risking death.

Given how much worse I think the Taliban will make everyday life, especially for women…I’m slightly surprised that there isn’t more Afghan resistance to the Taliban advance…not because of any love for government, but for own long term benefit.

But jeez…can easily understand any one not wanting to fight the Taliban today to avoid problems in the future. (I suspect I wouldn’t fight myself.)

[KNIGHT OF THE LAKE]

The Taliban can not compete with the USA on the short term. But in the long term if and I mean if Biden does invade if they do anything against the USA they just have to play the waiting game again. Another 20 years. They will do it if they have to. America does not have the stomach for long term.

I dont see Taliban doing anything though because they got what they wanted. A country back. The fact that they are in the capital and yet not going after American troops or the embassy kind of shows they are fine with laying low against America. At least for now.

Longterm and short term are relative. No government wants to be put of power for 20 years

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Being President means making the hard decisions and this one is hard for the fact its admitting ...Afghanistan is sadly a lost cause. Its not gonna change in 5 years , 10 or even 20. The country has had 300,000+ soldiers trained but unless they can't hold it then what can we do ? Make the country a US State or providence ? I mean its the only thing you could do staying again so long.

In all...i feel for the people there. Hopefully Biden's pledge to get those who helped out happens. Also as he says the country will be looked at sharply and Taliban will be on watch.

[Robotman]

I understand that, but you'd think that army officials would be savy enough to know that the Taliban would put their heads on the chopping block if they simply surrendered, as they have been doing. If they can't fight for their own lives and lesser evil, then that's on them.

Apparently the Taliban has been giving the Afghan solider the option to drop their weapons and just leave. They've promised them safe passage if they leave their supplies.

[The Cool Thatguy]

Apparently the Taliban has been giving the Afghan solider the option to drop their weapons and just leave. They've promised them safe passage if they leave their supplies.

And there are reports of them killing soldiers who surrendered. Given how ruthless the Taliban have proven themselves to be, you'd think that some common sense would kick in

[PwrdOn]

You'd think that basic democracy, and not having to live in fear under the thumb of the Taliban would be enough. And if it isn't, there's not much we can do.

There is no democracy in any meaningful sense if the government you elect serves the interests of a foreign power over those of its own people. The Afghan government was a puppet regime that was abandoned by its puppet master when it ceased to be useful. All that nice sounding talk about democracy and women's rights was just a ex post rationalization of why we were there, it had nothing to do with why we were actually there, and once we were satisfied that our mission was accomplished, suddenly all that humanitarian stuff didn't matter so much anymore.

[thwhtGuardian]

I've thought this since we first entered Afghanistan but it seems especially pertinent today: Afghanistan is a grave yard of empires and the US is just the latest to throw their saber into the heap.

[The Cool Thatguy]

There is no democracy in any meaningful sense if the government you elect serves the interests of a foreign power over those of its own people. The Afghan government was a puppet regime that was abandoned by its puppet master when it ceased to be useful. All that nice sounding talk about democracy and women's rights was just a ex post rationalization of why we were there, it had nothing to do with why we were actually there, and once we were satisfied that our mission was accomplished, suddenly all that humanitarian stuff didn't matter so much anymore.

Ah yes, Afghans are never responsible for their own actions, my bad.

[Mister Mets]

One: You don't get to set the goalposts for who's "relevant" for CSGOPOTD. They're long been established as which positions people are running for (everything but City Councils and Mayors, effectively).
Two: You decided Larry Elder IS relevant, as if he's not a dangerous, race-baiting twit either.

Your party has Proud Boys and those who are their direct accomplices on the ballot around the country in races now. The GOP has done nothing about having hatemongers from the 3% crowd, the OathKeepers, or in some instances, literal Neo-Nazis running for major office.

You've had a problem. Your party has done nothing about it. You and others like you keep defending them for it, justifying why they don't change.

Great job on that. Doing wonders for the country.

I think you're wrong on several obvious levels, which may result in people taking you less seriously.

I made no claim about goalposts for your project. That's up to you.

I said Larry Elder's position as a potential Governor of California is emblematic of the ridiculousness of the race, so I'm certainly not in favor of it.

You're going after me personally for stuff I haven't said. I sincerely hope everyone in here is in agreement that we should avoid being the toxic combination of obnoxious and wrong. Why should anyone who is obnoxious and wrong be trusted? It suggests that if they're on the right side of a political argument, it's probably by accident.

[WestPhillyPunisher]

I've thought this since we first entered Afghanistan but it seems especially pertinent today: Afghanistan is a grave yard of empires and the US is just the latest to throw their saber into the heap.

The U.S. failed to learn the lesson the Russians had in the late 1970's who, in turn, failed to learn the lesson Great Britain had in the 19th century. That leaves only China, but I suspect they won't follow in America's footsteps and steer clear of Afghanistan.

[Mister Mets]

To be honest I’m not sure how many Brits have “a strong national identity”….not when it conflicts with self interest. Not convinced that many of us (Brits) would die for their country’ least of all our senior politicians. Is America any different?

What most Brits do have is a healthy survival instinct, and a love of close family and friends…these are the things I think more people think are worth fighting for, risking death.

Given how much worse I think the Taliban will make everyday life, especially for women…I’m slightly surprised that there isn’t more Afghan resistance to the Taliban advance…not because of any love for government, but for own long term benefit.

But jeez…can easily understand any one not wanting to fight the Taliban today to avoid problems in the future. (I suspect I wouldn’t fight myself.)

There's a potential problem in how they were trained to rely on American air support.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/afghani...an-11628958253

The Afghan army fighting alongside American troops was molded to match the way the Americans operate. The U.S. military, the world’s most advanced, relies heavily on combining ground operations with air power, using aircraft to resupply outposts, strike targets, ferry the wounded, and collect reconnaissance and intelligence.

In the wake of President Biden’s withdrawal decision, the U.S. pulled its air support, intelligence and contractors servicing Afghanistan’s planes and helicopters. That meant the Afghan military simply couldn’t operate anymore. The same happened with another failed American effort, the South Vietnamese army in the 1970s, said retired Lt. Gen. Daniel Bolger, who commanded the U.S.-led coalition’s mission to train Afghan forces in 2011-2013.

[Mister Mets]

Can someone English explain this story to me?

https://www.theguardian.com/politics...d-labour-party

The veteran leftwing film-maker Ken Loach has said he has been expelled from the Labour party.

Loach, whose films are regarded as landmarks of social realism, claimed the move by the party was because he would “not disown those already expelled”, and he hit out at an alleged “witch-hunt”.

It follows reports last month that the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, was preparing to support a purge of factions vocally supportive of his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.

Supporters of the former leader have claimed Starmer has rolled back moves to democratise the party and that he has fought some of his own members with more gusto than the Tories.

Starmer is expected to support a proposal before the party’s governing body on Tuesday to proscribe four named groups.
Keir Starmer expected to back purge of far-left Labour factions

On Twitter, 85-year-old Loach, a winner of the Palme d’Or for I, Daniel Blake, said: “Labour HQ finally decided I’m not fit to be a member of their party, as I will not disown those already expelled. Well … I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch-hunt … Starmer and his clique will never lead a party of the people. We are many, they are few. Solidarity.”

Loach previously left the Labour party in the 1990s, reportedly in disgust at Tony Blair, after three decades as a member. He has also been active in political parties such as Respect and Left Unity that have presented themselves as a radical alternative to Labour. He rejoined the party following Corbyn’s election to the leadership.

The former shadow chancellor John McDonnell tweeted: “To expel such a fine socialist who has done so much to further the cause of socialism is a disgrace. Ken’s films have exposed the inequalities in our society, have given us hope for change & inspired us to fight back. I send my solidarity to my friend and comrade.”

Corbyn was suspended from the party in October last year for saying the problem of antisemitism within Labour was “dramatically overstated for political reasons” by opponents and the media. A disciplinary panel of the NEC lifted the suspension the following month after he issued a conciliatory statement but Starmer refused to restore the whip to Corbyn.

What is the process by which a supporter of a party is expelled from it? And what exactly does it mean?

I don't know if this is a bad thing, even. I just want to understand it.