Biden-Harris Look Ready to Keep U.S. In Afghanistan—Say No!

Black Alliance For Peace

07 Apr 2021

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The new Democratic administration seems determined to sabotage an agreement to end the “longest war.”

“A key component of the agreement—the removal of U.S. troops by May 1—may not happen.”

It’s looking like the Biden-Harris administration will scuttle a historic agreement the Trump administration negotiated with the Taliban that made it appear the United States would exit Afghanistan and end its second longest conflict in history. That’s because a key component of the agreement—the removal of U.S. troops by May 1—may not happen.

The Biden-Harris administration has indicated it will not pull troops or end U.S. involvement in the war-torn country. That’s partly due to a high-powered advisory entity called the Afghanistan Study Group (ASG). The ASG is trying to keep the United States in Afghanistan past the May 1 deadline.

It’s no surprise the ASG’s members represent big business, neocons and military contractors.

Its three members include 1) former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), who serves on the board of Fox News Corp., and Caterpillar; 2) retired General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., who led U.S. forces in Afghanistan and now serves on the board of Lockheed Martin; and 3) Nancy Lindborg, who worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development.

“The ASG is trying to keep the United States in Afghanistan past the May 1 deadline.”

The ASG has recommended disregarding the May 1 deadline in favor of a conditions-based withdrawal. Those conditions include a steady reduction in violence and a political settlement between the Taliban and the Afghan government. The ASG’s proposal would require an economic support package at a cost of over $50 billion a year until U.S. objectives are met.

The Black Alliance for Peace’s Solidarity Network—made of allied people and organizations—has concluded if the United States fails to abide by the agreement, military clashes between the Taliban and U.S. forces would be inevitable.

Self-Determination is one of BAP’s Principles of Unity, so the alliance posits the Afghan people have a right to collectively determine their national fate.

That’s why BAP invites all peace-loving and justice-seeking people and organizations to participate in the International Day of Action on Afghanistan on April 8, 2021, to raise the public's awareness. Head to the website to download social media graphics and materials to write op-eds, letters to the editor, and hold teach-ins. The alliance also encourages the public to use #MayDayAfghanistan to amplify the call on social media.

No to the New Cold War!

U.S./NATO Out of Afghanistan!

The Black Alliance for Peace is a African/Black-led, anti-imperialist formation that seeks to re-capture and re-develop the Black Radical Tradition for today’s material conditions. Learn how to get involved in the International Day of Action on Afghanistan.

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