The issue of accepting foreigners, especially those from nations with vastly different values and beliefs, into American society is fraught with peril. The writer, who has a long-term friend involved in the resettlement process, shares a critical perspective on bringing Afghans to America after their time as allies during the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan.
The author, Jeremy Carl, discusses his political disagreements with this prominent friend but emphasizes that despite these differences, he respects his patriotism and service. He then poses an analogy: accepting people from different backgrounds is unwise or even dangerous, drawing on experiences in third-world countries where cultural gaps can lead to inevitable requests for help or integration issues.
Carl introduces Joe Kent, an Afghanistan combat veteran and director of the National Counterterrorism Center, who argues that vetting individuals in a war zone for combat readiness differs fundamentally from determining their suitability for living permanently in America. The author then touches on a tragic incident: a targeted attack on two National Guardsmen by an Afghan national shortly before Thanksgiving, which Carl suggests is part of a larger pattern of assaults by Afghans brought to the U.S.
Further, Carl criticizes what he perceives as an overestimation of American benevolence towards these refugees. He mentions that some in the U.S., including figures like Wade Miller (executive director of Citizens for Renewing America), argue that many who fought alongside Americans did so for opportunistic reasons—some collaborated with both sides, were paid mercenaries, or were government agents. Moreover, Carl questions whether they are truly loyal to America.
Carl then cites Mark Lucas, an Afghanistan veteran and founder of Article III Project, with harsh statements about Afghan allies engaging in terrible practices such as child trafficking, pedophilia, honor killings, etc., when left unsupervised by American military personnel.
The author suggests that even if there’s a moral obligation, it should be directed towards ensuring safety rather than resettlement in the U.S. They argue that we should have made this clear from the beginning and resettle them elsewhere to protect America.
Carl concludes with a criticism of President Joe Biden, suggesting his administration epitomizes the arrogant foreign policy approach that led to these issues. He believes that accepting all Afghan allies is an error that prioritizes culture over common sense and national interests.
Critics Question Loyalty of Afghan Allies
A growing chorus among some voices in America questions the wisdom of welcoming Afghan allies, who fought alongside U.S. troops during the nearly two decades of war.
While acknowledging a personal friend’s patriotism despite political differences, Jeremy Carl expresses skepticism about the reliability and loyalty of those individuals from Afghanistan now seeking refuge or resettlement in the United States.
Joe Kent, an Afghanistan combat veteran and head of the National Counterterrorism Center, highlights that vetting people for fighting alongside Americans is different than determining their suitability to live in America permanently. He argues we should deport all who are currently being called allies by virtue of having worked with American military personnel during the occupation.
Carl agrees, noting how relationships formed across vast cultural divides often lead to unmet expectations and demands on American resources that cannot be anticipated or met indefinitely. His experiences abroad have taught him the difficulty inherent in such international relationships.
Moreover, Kent’s comments reflect a broader concern about what happens after America withdraws military support from allies like Afghans: they may not remain loyal as expected.
Wade Miller adds that many who fought with American forces did so for money or other incentives rather than genuine commitment to the United States. He calls the notion of debt owed by Americans to these fighters a “BS metric.”
Mark Lucas, another Afghanistan veteran and founder of Article III Project, voices particularly harsh criticisms, even suggesting that Afghan allies could not be trusted with basic human rights protections due to their cultural practices.
Carl argues it would have been better if the U.S. had made clear from the outset that America would not accept Afghans as permanent residents simply for being on our side during war time. Instead, he suggests resettling them in other nations more suited to receiving such assistance might be preferable.
However, Carl’s views represent only one perspective and have been met with criticism from many quarters regarding their characterization of the Afghan people and U.S.-backed government efforts.
