The Western withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan is a “strategic mistake” that risks allowing terrorism to flourish, a former top British general has warned.
Gen. Richard Barrons, who was commander of Joint Forces Command from 2013 until his retirement in 2016, said British and Western forces had “sold the future of Afghanistan into a very difficult place.”
The majority of Britain’s deployment in Kabul left in July, with a full withdrawal of all Western forces expected by Sept. 11.
The Taliban have made significant territorial gains since NATO forces started to withdraw, capturing five cities in three days.
“The withdrawal now is a strategic mistake. I don’t believe it’s in our own interest,” Barrons told the BBC, adding that the decision had sent a “really unfortunate message” to Western allies around the world.
The withdrawal suggests that “we don’t have the stomach to see these things through, and we would rather leave than ensure that a humanitarian or political crisis doesn’t occur,” he said.
“We will run the risk of terrorist entities re-establishing in Afghanistan, to bring harm in Europe and elsewhere. I think this is a very poor strategic outcome.”
The British government has advised all citizens to leave Afghanistan as the Taliban advances. Barrons warned that a sudden departure of the international community — reminiscent of the fall of Saigon, Vietnam, in 1975 — would risk undermining Kabul during a crucial period.
This would be worsened by an exodus of the Afghan elite, he added, arguing that support for the country’s government and military is vital to prevent further crisis.
Barrons said a decades-long civil war could be sparked by the current crisis unless political discussions resume.
A British government spokeswoman said in a statement: “We recognise that the security situation in Afghanistan is serious, and reports of the escalating violence are extremely disturbing.
“We do not believe there is any military solution to Afghanistan’s conflict, and call on the Taliban to end their campaign of violence and engage in meaningful dialogue with the Afghan government. There needs to be a negotiated solution to ensure a lasting peace.”
