The war in Afghanistan—the longest in U.S. history—ended with a resounding impact, and its aftershocks continue to ripple across the global stage. President Biden’s recent speech defending his decision to withdraw U.S. troops underscores the immense burden of presidential leadership, especially when navigating life-and-death decisions about war. While the gravity of this moment is undeniable, it’s also fair to raise serious questions about the execution of the withdrawal and its far-reaching implications for America’s role in the world.

The Moral Imperative to End Endless Wars

First, let’s get one thing clear: The desire to end the Afghanistan war isn’t unique to Biden. Both Presidents Bush and Obama struggled with how to extricate America from a war that had become a quagmire. President Trump also negotiated the framework for withdrawal with the Taliban in 2020. Ending this conflict was, at least in theory, a bipartisan goal.

And there’s a moral case for ending “forever wars.” Proverbs 20:18 reminds us, “Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” Twenty years in Afghanistan seemed less like war by good counsel and more like stubborn inertia. Hundreds of billions of dollars spent, thousands of lives lost, and countless wounded servicemembers later, the American people had grown weary. Christians especially should feel the burden of war’s cost—not just in treasure, but in human suffering.

So, was Biden right to prioritize withdrawal? Perhaps. But there’s a world of difference between ending a war wisely and ending it recklessly. And this is where the execution of his policy falls short.

Chaos in Kabul: A Self-Inflicted Crisis

The images of the chaotic evacuation of Kabul in August 2021 will haunt the Biden administration’s legacy. People clinging to airplanes, desperate Afghan allies left behind, and the devastating suicide bombing at Abbey Gate that killed 13 U.S. servicemembers all paint a picture of poor planning and rushed decision-making.

Why the rush? Biden had inherited a deal from Trump, but his administration chose to meet an arbitrary deadline rather than ensuring a smooth and safe transition. A wise leader should have prioritized protecting those who had fought alongside us—interpreters, aid workers, and women’s rights activists who now face persecution under Taliban rule.

The Proverbs also warn us about the dangers of hasty decisions: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5). While Biden may have been diligent in his intention to withdraw, the hasty execution squandered the goodwill and trust of allies.

The Consequences of Withdrawal

Biden argues that withdrawing from Afghanistan allowed the U.S. to focus on “emerging global challenges” like Russia, China, and Iran. It’s a fair point that the U.S. cannot police the world indefinitely. However, the power vacuum left in Afghanistan has allowed the Taliban to consolidate control, and there are already signs that terrorist groups are regrouping.

Christians understand the principle of stewardship—we are called to responsibly manage what we have been entrusted with. By abruptly abandoning Afghanistan, the U.S. abdicated its responsibility to ensure regional stability, and the people of Afghanistan are paying the price. The humanitarian crisis under Taliban rule—especially the rollback of women’s rights—cries out for justice. “Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy” (Psalm 82:3).

America’s Role in the World

Biden claims that America is stronger and our adversaries weaker because of his foreign policy. This is debatable. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the increasingly aggressive posture of China suggest that America’s global deterrence has not improved. Yes, supporting allies like Ukraine and Israel is commendable, but Biden’s broader approach seems reactive rather than proactive.

As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), but peace doesn’t come from passivity. True peace often requires strength and a willingness to stand against evil. While I agree that direct military involvement should be limited, economic aid and weapons shipments alone can’t solve deep-seated conflicts. America must balance strength with wisdom, ensuring we are neither overextended nor perceived as retreating from the global stage.

Final Thoughts

President Biden is right about one thing: The challenges facing America are immense. From terrorism to the rise of authoritarian regimes, the U.S. faces threats that require thoughtful, strategic leadership. But leadership isn’t just about making tough decisions—it’s about making them well. And the withdrawal from Afghanistan, while perhaps inevitable, was marred by poor execution and a lack of foresight about the long-term consequences.

As Christians and conservatives, we should pray for wisdom for our leaders and hold them accountable when they fall short. The Afghanistan withdrawal is a reminder that good intentions are not enough—actions matter, and so do their consequences. Let us hope that future decisions are made with greater care, courage, and commitment to both principle and practical wisdom.