Public Opinion on Biden’s Afghanistan Withd rawal, Reconstruction Era Failures, and More

August 24, 2021

The American people decided years ago that the war in Afghanistan was not worth the cost, but they distinguish between the decision to withdraw and the way this decision has been carried out. William Galston reviews recent public opinion on the Biden administration’s response to the unfolding chaos in Afghanistan.

“Policymakers must weigh the price of compromise carefully. Concessions can bake injustice into the social system, damning generations to come even when they bring a superficial peace.” Daniel Byman recounts the Reconstruction era, writing that a close analysis of the time period offers insights into U.S. efforts to fight terrorists and insurgents today.

This year, Japanese leaders have made a series of high-profile statements and comments concerning Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait. Adam Liff explains Tokyo’s relationship with Taipei and how the United States and China factor into it.

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