March 10, 2020
The Afghan peace deal and its eerie parallels with Vietnam
Last month marked a potential turning point in America’s 19-year war in Afghanistan. In signing a landmark peace agreement, the United States and the Taliban paved the way for an intra-Afghan political settlement and the withdrawal of American troops. Students of history will note that, in its terms and its broader strategic context, the Afghanistan peace agreement has eerie parallels with the Vietnam War’s endgame. Whether and how this time is different will say everything about the deal’s longevity and the prospects for a safe American exit from our longest war.
Vietnam was, of course, America’s longest war until Afghanistan took its place. Exhausted with the fight, President Nixon was determined to end the war, achieving the best possible peace deal on the way out. One senses a similar impulse with President Trump, who has routinely criticized “forever wars” like the one in Afghanistan and emphasized his desire to withdraw American forces.
Read the full article in the Austin-American Statesman.
More from CNAS
-
What Afghanistan Can Teach Us About Fighting Coronavirus
Commentary
As worried Americans look for answers in the midst of a global pandemic, it is no surprise that many have turned to the symbols and language of war. Public officials from Gove...
By Pat A. Basu & Dr. Jason Dempsey
-
Walk Away from the Taliban, Not Afghanistan
Podcast
General David H. Petraeus (US Army, Retired) and Vance Serchuk speak with ISW Founder and President Dr. Kimberly Kagan on the dangers of the U.S. deal with the Taliban. Liste...
By David H. Petraeus & Vance Serchuk
-
Can America Trust the Taliban to Prevent Another 9/11?
Commentary
For nearly 20 years, the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan has been sustained by a single, vital national interest: the clear and present danger of another September 11–like at...
By David H. Petraeus & Vance Serchuk
-
Veterans Of Afghanistan Conflict React To Negotiations Between U.S. And Taliban
Podcast
Afghanistan war veterans react to the U.S.-Taliban accord signed over the weekend — one that would start an American troop withdrawal. Listen to the full conversation o...
By Dr. Jason Dempsey
