Some of Biden's actions are imperialism, but so far, not in Afghanistan

By Steve Otto 

Since President Joe Biden has come to office, foreign policy has been a mixed signal. On one hand, he is pulling the troops out of Afghanistan, a major necessity for pulling out of our imperialist dilemma. On the other hand his handling of Venezuela is not good. And last night, he attacked some militias who are aligned with Iran, which means that reducing tensions with that country will not be easy. According to Reuters:

 

“The United States said on Sunday it carried out another round of air strikes against Iran-backed militia in Iraq and Syria, this time in response to drone attacks by the militia against U.S. personnel and facilities in Iraq.

In a statement, the U.S. military said it targeted operational and weapons storage facilities at two locations in Syria and one location in Iraq. It did not disclose whether it believed anyone was killed or injured but officials said assessments were ongoing.”

So far the Biden strategy is no different from the former President Donald Trump strategy. And it sucks. We here at this blog have no love for the Islamic regime of Iran. But we don’t need war and the people living in Iran do not deserve to be strangled nearly to death by sanctions.

Also, the people in other countries, such as Venezuela also do not deserve sanctions. Conservatives and pro-capitalist apologist for capitalist regimes like to say that nothing of value can come from a socialist country or a socialist economy. But that is not true. A bar near my home has what they call “flights.” That means a customer can pay a set price for a set of samples of certain liquors. One of these “flights” is “The Venezuela Rum Experience.” For $18 a patron gets to sample some Venezuela rum. That means they produce really good rum. This bar specializes in high class drinks. So much for the idea that nothing of value comes from socialism.

 

And last, but not least, generals and officials of imperialism are whining about the Taliban taking back control of Afghanistan. According to ABC News:

“Gen. Austin Scott Miller said he stands by his belief that there cannot be a military victor in Afghanistan, but he told Raddatz that as the Taliban continues with its military operations across the country, while also engaging in peace talks, "you're starting to create conditions here that doesn't -- won't look good for Afghanistan in the future if there is a push for a military takeover" that could result in a civil war.

My hope is that Biden will take a stand and not wobble on this issue. If he can stand his ground at least some good will come from his foreign policy.