AFGHANS: Paid a high cost as our allies

My wife and I had a quiet dinner as the only diners at a local restaurant recently. We were unaware it existed until a local tv station reported little patronage due to a shooting involving an Afghan immigrant. It seemed unfair to penalize the owners for a crime committed several thousand miles away.

The war in Afghanistan extended around 20 years. Afghans who aided our troops risked their lives, homes, and families. The war was a hardship for our troops especially, since over time, little attention was paid to the years-long conflict.  

To end the war the Trump administration negotiated with the Taliban but excluded the Afghan government. Five thousand of their fighters were released from prisons, allowing a surge while US troops were withdrawn down to 2500 soldiers. Taliban agreed not to attack our bases but conducted 4,500 strikes afterwards. The Taliban spread disinformation to Afghan troops that they were ceded control of the country.

The evacuation would not go without loss of life due to the Taliban’s overwhelming numbers.

Most Afghan allies were left behind and now visas are denied should others escape. There have been threats of deportation. They will likely not see family or friend again and are scattered with little appreciation by a country that wants to forget the war. These people have paid a high cost for being our allies.

Maybe a meal and a kind word would be a nice gesture to those who stood with our troops.

DOUGLAS R. WELLS
Hayden