General (ret.) Frank Mckenzie, the commander responsible for the US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan, reflects on the decision, calling it “doomed from the start.” In an exclusive interview with the Greek press, he delves into the mistakes of US leadership in Afghanistan and analyzes the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
As the author of “The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century” and executive director of the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, Mckenzie discusses Iran’s constraints, Hezbollah’s tactics, and Israel’s defense strategies. He emphasizes that while tensions are escalating between Israel and Hezbollah, the decision to engage in a full-scale war remains uncertain.
Regarding Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, Mckenzie highlights that Putin’s strategic decisions in the Kursk offensive have created uncertainties for Moscow. He expresses concerns about Ukraine’s nuclear capabilities and its totalitarian leader’s aggressive behavior.
When questioned about the importance of NATO in US defense, Mckenzie affirms the alliance’s significance in maintaining global peace and security. He praises NATO’s effectiveness and stresses the value of working with allies and partners.
On the topic of China and Russia, Mckenzie acknowledges the long-term challenges posed by China while recognizing the immediate threats from Russia. He believes that the US needs to address both adversaries strategically.
Reflecting on the withdrawal from Afghanistan, Mckenzie criticizes the decision to leave completely, emphasizing the resulting collapse of the Afghan government. He raises concerns about the growth of ISIS and the potential for future attacks.
While advocating for pre-emptive strikes against terrorist leaders, Mckenzie underscores the importance of political decisions in tackling emerging threats to national security.