Fall of Kabul doesn’t need to spell the end of US global power

A brief glance at history shows why the situation in Afghanistan need not result in the U.S. declining as an international force

August 23, 2021 - 8:34 AM

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN -- AUGUST 19, 2021: Afghans try to raise the national flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, despite the presence of Taliban fighters around them, during a rally for Independence Day at Pashtunistan Square in Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021. About 200 people rallied towards the city center chanting ODeath to Pakistan, God Bless Afghanistan, Long Live the National Flag of Afghanistan. Photo by (MARCUS YAM / LOS ANGELES TIMES)

Amid the chaos in Kabul, politicians and pundits have declared the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan a defeat from which U.S. influence may never recover.

“Biden’s credibility is now shot,” wrote Gideon Rachman, chief oracle of Britain’s Financial Times.

“A grave blow to America’s standing,” warned The Economist.

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