Seventeen years ago I worked for an NGO in Kabul, Afghanistan. I
was amazed then at how backward the country and the people were. I was
astonished by the lack of infrastructure and the conditions the Afghan
people were forced to endure in the 21st century. Today,
I'm amazed again about this central Asian country. After 20 years of hard work, thousands of NATO
lives lost and trillions of dollars spent, this country is on the
threshold of returning back to its 6th century existence.
As
devastatingly sad and humiliating the departure our political leaders
have forced on the world, I've found myself marveling at the Taliban.
The British, Russians and Americans couldn't defeat them. There's a
lesson to be learned from a people who even Alexander the Great said in
the third century BC "It's impossible to conquer the Afghans".
Listed are just some of lessons we can learn from the Taliban
1. Knowing who you are, what you stand for and believing in the goal.
America
has lost just about everything listed. In our country today, almost
everything is "political" and confusing. While the world goes to hell we
argue over "white privilege, racial identity, gender identity, critical race theory,
climate, BLM, police protection, open borders and the use of proper
pronouns. Really?
What exactly are our national,
organizational or personal goals? What do we stand for and what is the
ultimate goal? Young America knew 243 years ago, but it would be
difficult to find consensus in our nation today.
2. United in purpose
Although
we see the chaotic pictures on TV of Afghans at the airport, still more
than 60% of the people support the Taliban. Why? Maybe because they
have
proved to be winners. Maybe because they understand the Taliban's
unwavering
purpose. Maybe it's the resolve of their leadership to accomplish that
purpose. If you don't know where you're going or why you exist, failure
is sure to find you, if you can't find your way.
3. Patients
When
you have a proven record of success and don't abandon your core belief
in the face of new challenges, good things can happen. You can afford to
"wait out" the futile attempts of your competition. I think of
organizations like Chick-fil a, Hobby Lobby and others who stay with who
they are in spite of public attack or changing cultural norms. The
Taliban lost many battles but patients won them the war. Again!
4. Knowing your competitors weaknesses and relying on your proven capabilities.
The
greatest weakness of the Taliban's enemies (America) was the lack of
determined leadership in Washington. With every new election in our
country, comes a new Commander in Chief complete with a new strategy and
agenda based on opinion
polls and political calculations. Our brave men and women deserve better
than the political class in DC.
Nations, homes and organizations who possess strong committed leadership are essential for victory.
I'm not ashamed of our country, I'm embarrassed by our leaders in DC and saddened by what we've become.
Afghanistan has never been a nation, they are and have been a collection of tribes. I fear that's what America is becoming.
