January 10, 2023
In his initial digression, Christopher Kolenda shares emotions from the mass removal of American troops from Afghanistan, those of dismay, frustration, guilt, and disappointment. He then introduces his book, one of looking at what the U.S. is doing at a policy level that is resulting in these interventions, Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, etc., into tragedies. To further explain what he believes as wrong policy decisions, Kolenda provides and graphs three proximate causes for failure in Afghanistan. These three causes include the lack of support gained by the Afghani government, complacency, and dependency. Later, he notes on the structure of the U.S. government and its advisor, and how it limits communication on overall plans, limiting all parties to their lanes, the NSA in intelligence and other alike. Kolenda believes and demonstrates how no American in Afghanistan could ultimately say things were going downhill because they were solely reporting on all the positive actions being taken. To close, he describes three low-cost high payoff actions that can be taken by the U.S. government, like put someone in charge that isn’t the president over these situations, creating a national security doctrine for all the different security organizations, and finally developing export knowledge on war termination. Ultimately, Kolenda discusses topics with the audience such as the problems with not having political goals, widespread learning of military officials, and the idea of the “soldier scholar.”
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
