America Should Accept More Refugees From Afghanistan
After nearly 20 years of US presence in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks, the United States has finally pulled out of the Afghan Republic.
The Taliban, who’s inevitable return to power loomed over the installed regime, toppled the government and planted its banner over Kabul, which marked the end to the republic. Civilians pleaded, and begged to board US transports towards the security of a liberal society of which the Taliban is opposed.
Like in Saigon, US troops halted civilians from entering their ticket to a better life. Although pulling out was the most practical decision made , it is unacceptable that American politicians, particularly Republicans, do not want to accept Afghan refugees.
It is morally the right thing for Americans to accept as many refugees as we possibly can.
In order to understand the situation, it is important to take a look at the history of modern Afghanistan, and the Taliban.
During the Soviet Afghan war, foreign Islamic fighters fought against the USSR and Afghan government forces. After the fighting, the rebels defeated the Soviets. After the war. In 1996 the ultra conservative Taliban took over the country. They restricted the rights of all civilians, however they especially oppressed women and girls, and religious law intensified. Fast forward to 2001, president Bush launched the invasion of Afghanistan in order to destroy Al Qaeda, who were located inside Afghanistan. The Taliban was also destroyed within months, being replaced in 2004 by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. In 2021, the Taliban made a comeback; and took over the country once more, after US troops pulled out.
It is true that pulling out under a Democratic presidency is the right choice. From the progressive perspective, leaving now is most likely the best decision to make as well for the Afghan people. American nationalist sentiment is on the rise. Xenophobic ideologies such as America first, were dominant during the Trump presidency, and only momentarily weakened after COVID.
If Democrats didnt commence the pullout, it would have happened anyways, but by xenophobic Republicans who wouldn’t aid Afghans, and would have tried to accept as few refugees as possible. Starting the pullout now, instead of in a future Republican presidency, gives an opportunity to push for more refugees to take shelter in America.
No matter what one was to do, Americans would pull out of the country eventually. That being said, Democrats should be doing much more to help Afghans. A humane policy would be to cooperate with the new regime to evacuate in mass civilians from the country. Currently over one million Afghans are eligible for immigration status. We should work with the new regime to find ways to let more civilians immigrate. If America was really the most free country on earth, we would be pushing for this, and actively trying to let more enter, and escape oppression.