Leaders can make a difference during critical times

Four years ago, on Aug. 26, 2021, a suicide bomber entered the crowd of thronging, panicking Afghans massed outside the Abbey Gate at the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Thousands were gathered in the tight confines of a desperate moment.

The Biden administration had suddenly announced the abandonment of U.S. citizens, military equipment, allies and friends. Twenty years of blood and treasure were sacrificed on the altar of feckless foreign policy. The coup de grace was the a suicide bombing attack by a madman, which killed 13 U.S. service members and 168 civilians.

The world watched in horror.

Vladimir Putin watched in fascination.

It was the flashpoint that ended the U.S. presence in Afghanistan. It was also the flashpoint that launched the war in Ukraine. Need a break? Play the USA