Commentary

“We went to Afghanistan almost 20 years ago with clear goals: get those who attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, and make sure Al Qaeda could not use Afghanistan as a base from which to attack us again.  We did that.” – President Biden, Aug. 16, 2021

While our foreign policy genius appeared satisfied that our withdrawal from Afghanistan a year ago had cooled the terrorism threat, he said “we’ll not take our eye off the terrorist threat,” as he boasted of our over-the-horizon drone strike ability.

“We’ll hold the Taliban accountable for its commitment not to allow any terrorists to threaten the United States or its allies from Afghan soil,” he said.

If that is so, how will we respond now to the Taliban for allowing Ayman al-Zawahiri, the quasi leader of the Al Qaeda, to reside in plain sight in mid-Kabul?

After all, the Middle East Institute revealed in its October 20, 2020 report that “Al Qaeda remains resilient in Afghanistan,” and cited that “the U.S. government believes Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri is in Afghanistan.”

The MEI also noted that after several challenging years, Al Qaeda appears to have improved its political cohesion and its organizational capital seems to be growing.

There have been reports of al-Zawahiri’s ill health, and in viewing recent photos his ability to command seems in question.  Regardless, he’s dead.

Reviewing quotes following Biden’s claim of stopping Al Qaeda, it’s clear that al-Zawahiri’s presence in Afghanistan wasn’t all that surprising.

“We know that Al Qaeda is a presence, as well as ISIS, in Afghanistan, (but their) presence isn’t enough to merit a threat to the U.S.“ – John Kirby, Pentagon spokesman, Aug. 16, 2021

“There are Al Qaeda members in Afghanistan, but their capacity for a 9/11- type of attack has been diminished.” – Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, Aug. 19, 2021

“Al Qaeda is present in at least 15 Afghan provinces.” – –UN Report, June 2021

“(The Taliban) maintains a relationship with Al Qaeda, providing safe haven for the terrorist grouped while publicly denying its presence in Afghanistan.” – Defense Intelligence Agency, June 2021

The president properly complimented the “superb patriots who serve the United States intelligence community and counterterrorism communities.  They never forget.  Those dedicated women and men who tirelessly worked every single day to keep our country safe and to prevent future tragedies … it is thanks to their extraordinary persistence and skill that this operation was a success.  They have made us all safer.”

As a former member of the aerospace industry that gave birth to “smart bombs” and now drones that can deliver uniquely-designed weapons that avoid collateral damage when required, kudos to this often-criticized industry.

May President Biden honor his pledge to respond to those who seek us harm, and never waver from defending our nation and its people.