At a loss…

Let me start by acknowledging that my time in uniform never took me to Afghanistan. It simply wasn’t where the Marine Corps sent me. Nevertheless, I lost a few friends to that far away land.

I’m writing tonight after a stunning few days when the world witnessed the implosion of twenty years worth of national sacrifice. I don’t know if I’ll be able to add much substance to what’s already been said on the topic – there is certainly no shortage of those commenting.

But if I’m honest with myself today, it’s almost that I have too much to say. I’ve got too much to say about the men and women who went willingly. The first who went to seek out and eliminate an evil of the highest order, and then the countless others who followed on their heels, showing glimpses of our very finest to a people very unlike us.

I’ve found myself in quite a few conversations about the events of the last few days…and I seem to be living out the duality of our country in my discussions. In one moment, I find myself questioning the execution of the withdrawal, in the next I question the entire war. At one and the same time, I find the cause of intervention both illogical and absolutely necessary. Have you felt yourself spinning in a similar circle?

Today, the pundits spun. And while I spent the day thinking about those best of us who served the Afghan people honorably, I find myself appalled by the worst of us seeking to capitalize on the moment for political gain. It’s no longer about the moral right or wrong of the endeavor, it’s about who can claim moral superiority by racing to the bottom. Even the libertarians are spinning, showcasing their isolationist tendencies.

Well, from my perspective we’re all a little right, and a lot wrong about this conflict. But we’re all wrong when we call the endeavor a failure.

It’s a false equivalency to claim that, like Japan and Germany, Afghanistan should have adopted our values in a generation. Without a deeper understanding of their insular, locally driven culture, you simply cannot fathom the gulf between those cultures.

Few Americans comprehend the disparate, tribal nature of Afghanistan – a country where Islam took the better part of 1200 years to attain its prominence (and then as a decree from a nascent central government seeking to consolidate power). Contrasted with the highly centralized and homogenous nation states of Japan and Germany, it becomes slightly easier to realize the challenge of nation building in a country more definable as a loose affiliation of tribes.

American presence on the ground in Afghanistan had to look different than post-war Japan and Germany because they are fundamentally different. If we had chosen sobriety at the innumerable decision points along the way, we’d have admitted to ourselves that nation building in Afghanistan would take generations – and it’s likely none of us would have had an appetite for that.

But was the cause worth it?

Yes. Unequivocally.

In a tweet yesterday I revealed my most honest view of what to expect next:

“What happens next is what happens whenever the powerless are left to the care of evil men.”

Maybe I’m biased because I knew firsthand the caliber of men and women we sent to the mountains of Afghanistan. Maybe I’m slanted because of unfettered idealism. But you will be hard pressed to convince me that America’s role is to withdraw from the dark spots in the world. What kind of shining city on the hill is that?

I do believe in American exceptionalism – as well as the exceptional responsibility that it requires of us. The events of the last few days sting so much because we are spurning that responsibility and leaving evil men better equipped to pursue their tyranny.

We can question the strategic value of Afghanistan. We can debate the wisdom of past administrations as much as the current. Hell, we can even discuss the parallels to Vietnam. But you will not convince me that protecting innocents, and promoting the rule of law was a failure, much less wrong.

The world is still quite big, and it’s inhabitants make it infinitely complex. We will never make it less so. But before you score your political hits in the coming days (as all sides will find a way to do), pause to recognize that complexity and try to find a way to reserve your comments. The end of this story isn’t written, and won’t be for a long time – that’s the nature of things, especially in Afghanistan.

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And while you’re pulling your punches there is something positive you can do to help some people today. We can reasonably expect the veteran community to struggle with these events. If you feel inclined to help meet their coming needs, I’d ask you to consider donating to Save A Warrior. You can learn more about their mission here: SaveAWarrior.org.