One would think that the recognition of the importance of American air power to the success of the Afghanistan government's war against the Taliban would mean we don't end it prematurely in the first place.
The Pentagon is considering seeking authorization to carry out airstrikes to support Afghan security forces if Kabul or another major city is in danger of falling to the Taliban, potentially introducing flexibility into President Biden’s plan to end the United States military presence in the conflict, senior officials said.
Mr. Biden and his top national security aides had previously suggested that once U.S. troops left Afghanistan, air support would end as well, with the exception of strikes aimed at terrorist groups that could harm American interests.
If the situation gets bad enough we might step in with air power? Wow, that must be great for Afghanistan government and security force morale. If you are down to an Alamo situation, we'll fight the Taliban from the air.
Face it, a last-ditch air campaign from distant bases without robust intelligence from Afghan ground forces and Coalition advisors embedded with them will not stem the tide of jihadi advances. And this fact of life is known:
Any additional airstrikes [after our withdrawal] would require the president’s approval. Even then, officials indicated that such air support would be hard to sustain over a lengthy period because of the enormous logistical effort that would be necessary given the American withdrawal.
All that such a campaign from the air will do at that point is ease American consciences in the Biden administration for abandoning our allies.
And quite possibly risk American air crew going down in a sea of hostile jihadis for instant gruesome death or captivity to blackmail America.
Not to mention putting our embassy personnel and protective force in Kabul in grave danger.
FFS, are we really this stupid? And yes, I guarantee I'd be asking the same frustrated question if Trump was in office and doing similar things.
If air power is so important for defeating the Taliban, there should not be a break in providing it.
