Afghan Allies

Feb 1 2025 The New York Times

The Moral and Strategic Case for Taking in the Afghan Refugees

On Jan 20th, the first day of his second administration, President Trump, by executive order, suspended the US Refugee Admissions Program.

On Jan 22nd, the administration announced that even those who were already approved for resettlement, had their travel plans cancelled.

This is a broad suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Program, and it affects all refugees, including the Afghan soldiers and translators who fought alongside the US forces in the war.

You do not have to have been a soldier in the Afghan army to end up on the wrong side of the Taliban government, working on civilian projects is enough, if the Taliban so decides.

During the war the US, and the West in general, gave a promise that if you help us fight this war, we will have your back, we will take care of you and your family.

The US pulled out of Afghanistan in 2021, and that promise was broken.

The suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Program, and the cancellation of travel for the already vetted and approved refugees, is to put it bluntly, just another broken promise added to the heap of broken promises.

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What is the message this sends to the world?

From the world’s richest country, which by the way has the world’s best equipped military force.

From a country where about 98% of the population are descendants of migrants or refugees.

I would not blame anyone for asking the question: “Is the US really our ally, or are we just expendable pawns in this power struggle?”, would you?

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I do understand the domestic politics, and that the promises made during election campaigns should be kept, and I agree that the US immigration policy needs to be developed, and all that.

But this is where ‘understandable’ and ‘acceptable’ part ways. Understanding that the immigration policy in your country needs to change, does not make breaking promises to your allies acceptable.

If it does, who will ever trust you again?

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Unfortunately and totally inappropriately, regarding the seriousness of this situation, reading this piece reminded me of the scene from Blackadder, where General Melchett is visiting the troops in the trenches.

General Melchett

"Don't worry my boy. Remember, if you should falter, Captain Darling and I are behind you."

Captain Blackadder

"About 35 miles behind you."