Former Army Ranger, local political historian react to end of war in Afghanistan

BOSTON — President Joe Biden spoke to the country to say it was time to close the chapter on America’s longest war.

“Last night in Kabul the United States ended 20 years of war in Afghanistan,” President Biden said.

But how that decision is viewed depends on who you talk to.

“It was a shameful exit after 20 years of sacrifice,” said Bob Kinder.

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Bob Kinder is the CEO of the Kinder Group, a security firm. Kinder is also a former Army Ranger who fought in Afghanistan. And while he agrees with the president that it was time to leave, it’s how we left that bothers him.

“I don’t think there was no design to that operation,” said Kinder, who thinks it should and could have been better planned.

Tom Whalen is a Boston University professor and author. He told Boston 25 News that the way we left is sad compared to how we entered the country 20 years ago.

“Flags flying, guns blazing and now we’re exiting with our tail between her legs,” Whalen said.

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Whalen does give credit to the commander-in-chief for being decisive and said there was a reason.

“I think Biden wanted to avoid the shedding of American blood at least anymore in Afghanistan,” Whalen said.

And what about the Americans left behind? Kinder said we should not have left any American or any ally behind. But Whalen believes that through diplomacy and American leverage the Taliban will play ball – at least for now.

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