When Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele recently said that the Afghanistan war—Obama’s war—was unwinnable, a wave of Republican protests and calls for his resignation hit the shores of the RNC. “This is outrageous,” some thundered. “Mr. Steele does our party a disservice,” harangued others. Steele, part of a tiny coterie of Black Republicans, has hit his share of missteps in the past, mostly for his off the cuff statements, as much for his style, which clashes with both the country club types and the strong military supporters within the GOP.
While Steele may or may not resign, in point of fact, he told the simple and powerful truth. Many empires, from the Greeks of Alexander’s era to the British twice and to the former Soviet Union, spent blood and treasure in an attempt to subjugate Afghanistan. They spent until they were bloodless and broke and were forced to leave. The 10 years of Soviet war sent millions of Afghanis into exile and wiped hundreds of villages off the map. Yet, they had to pack their bags and leave, suffering the same as the US Empire did in Vietnam, a loss to a foe long thought inferior.
Unwinnable? When people said that in the 60s about Vietnam, they were damned as traitors, but they were right. The same can be said of Afghanistan, whether Michael Steele says it or not. From death row, this is Mumia Abu-Jamal.
These commentaries are recorded by Noel Hanrahan of Prison Radio.
