Because They Have Been Waiting 20 Years for the Latest Occupiers to Leave, and They are Ready and Inspired to Retake Their Land...

The Taliban’s Advance

As the United States withdraws from Afghanistan, the group is seizing control of cities. Why is it succeeding so quickly?

Imagine how quickly Chicago street gangs would fill the void if, say, Russian troops invaded and occupied the South Side for 20 years, imposing their cultural practices on the natives, spending money and building for themselves... and finally left, after years of promising to permanently protect people.

I imagine the natives would retake the streets very quickly after the invading occupiers exited, and I imagine those who gambled poorly and threw in their lots with the invading soldiers would be dealt with swiftly and severely.

Why is Afghanistan any different?  Their people are taking their country back, after 20 years of American occupation.  They are eager and active to reclaim and rule what is theirs.  Those who would remain loyal to American occupation interests don't have the same drive, nor will, to fight for their country. Taliban takes back control.

If this surprises you, you need to read more history and interact with more people and texts.  Start with the "Do Unto Others" thinking and then consider how human beings the world over react to non-natives occupying their lands...

Let's stop pretending we are surprised with how quickly the Afghans are reverting to tribal rule and cultural practices that have served their unique land for more years than the average American soldier can contemplate.  It wasn't so much a mission fail as a mission impossible:  don't send soldiers to do missionary work on the US taxpayer dime.  (Have we learned and repented, neocons? No tears for those left behind now... prayers, but no tears in public please.)