This past weekend, we watched Kabul (the capital of Afghanistan) fall to the Taliban, a terrorist organization. For twenty years, the United States fought the “War on Terror” and brought freedom to Afghanistan by attempting to build a democracy while furthering Women’s Rights by providing educational, economic, and empowerment opportunities. Women and young girls were severally oppressed; however, the U.S. and our allies made great strides to welcome women to the negotiations and help further the education of young girls who would grow up to become leaders, mothers, educators, and more. They were given the opportunity to dream about their future.

Our service men and women sacrificed their lives, not only to ensure the security and freedom of the United States, but to bring freedom to the people of Afghanistan. Everything we worked toward was gone in a matter of days. We watched the fall of Kabul on Sunday, August 15, 2021, as the Taliban entered the city, wreaked havoc, and stormed the Presidential Palace while the President of Afghanistan fled. President Biden left our military bases intact, weapons, missiles, helicopters, and more for the Taliban to access. It has been reported that the Taliban released ISIS and Al-Qaeda fighters from prison. Reports indicate that the Taliban is going door-to-door looking for Americans, women, children, and Christians. Twenty years ago, U.S. troops entered Afghanistan to eliminate terror from the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Unfortunately, twenty years later, the Taliban are now back in control of Afghanistan.

The worse part of this horrific moment in U.S. history is that we have a President who is willing to leave thousands of Americans behind in Afghanistan. On Wednesday, August 18th, the Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd said in a press conference, the U.S. will continue to evacuate all the Americans “they can” from Afghanistan, although the U.S. is currently unable to “go out and collect large numbers of people” from outside the Kabul airport. Austin admitted that U.S. capabilities to venture outside the airport are limited, “I don’t have the capability to go out and extend operations currently into Kabul.” [1] The United States of America, known as the greatest nation on earth and the largest super power…can’t get Americans out of Afghanistan? It is reported there are up to 15,000 Americans still stranded in Afghanistan with the Taliban checkpoints making it more difficult.  It appears this Administration is not willing to move heaven or earth to bring Americans home.

This moment in history is being equated to what happened on April 30, 1975, when the U.S. withdrew troops and evacuated the U.S. Embassy from Saigon, Vietnam. Our military wounded, defeated, heartbroken while there were many MIAs and POWs left behind. History is literally repeating itself, as we watch this President failing the American people and those who remain stranded inside Afghanistan. 

In the meantime, Russia and China are praising the Taliban for showing “inclusivity” and welcome negotiations. The Wall Street Journal reported on July 29th, the leaders of the Taliban met with China’s top diplomats near Beijing. The Taliban saw China as a “legitimate” international power, economic power, and ally to their partner Pakistan. Taliban saw China as an economic power that can help them on the battlefield. If China intervenes in Afghanistan, it becomes a power move and opportunity for China to gain a stronghold in Central Asia, as they will take advantage of the Rare Earth Elements in Afghanistan. In addition, China has been aggressively growing their expansionism efforts through their “Belt and Road Initiative” and their coalition with Russia, as they flip nations against the United States.

Friends, it is time we wake up fellow Americans to the real threat that faces our country: China. It will be telling what comes of Afghanistan in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, let us pray for Afghanistan. We must unite together and pray for our fellow Americans and persecuted brothers and sisters. God hears our prayers. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.”- Psalm 34:17. Nahum 1:7 says, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” 

Below are some prayer points and scriptures:

• Let us pray for those left behind in Afghanistan, to include Americans and Afghani interpreters. They have been advised to seek shelter, as the reports indicate the airport has been shut down. Let us pray for the innocent civilians who are fleeing and don’t know what to do. A whole generation experienced freedom, thanks to the United States. Now, they are gripped by fear. (Psalm 91, Isaiah 54:17)
• Pray the Lord brings confusion into the enemy’s camp (Taliban). Just like we read time and time again in the Old Testament, God brought confusion and caused the enemies of Israel to turn on themselves. Do it again Lord! (2 Chronicles 20, Joshua 10)
• Let us pray for the Church in Afghanistan. I was informed that pastors received letters from the Taliban stating they know where they are and coming for them. May God bring a righteous fortitude and strength to the pastors. May they be bold in their faith, not shrink back. May God give them peace, Heavenly wisdom and strategies to navigate their congregation during this time.  (James 1:5, 2 Timothy 1:7, Joshua 1:9)
• Pray the Lord touches the hearts of our service men and women, those who have served or continue to serve. This moment is considered a defeat. Twenty years gone in a matter of days. May the Lord touch their hearts, give them His peace, and give them strength during this time. (Joshua 1:9, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 46:1)
• Pray the Lord protects Afghanistan, that it will be a nation marked by His goodness and His presence…that testimonies of what the Lord has done will circulate to give hope, not only in Afghanistan but across the world. Let this be a moment where we see signs, wonders, and miracles come out of Afghanistan-the most unlikely place where the Gospel prevails. May God touch and bless Afghanistan, marking it as a nation that will “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 27:13, Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28)

A “Call-To-Action” for those of you who want to help and do something:

1. Pray
2. Write your Congressional leaders and tell them how you feel. Individuals who allowed this horrific moment in history to occur, must be held accountable. We The People deserve answers as to what happened.
3. Follow up with a veteran or someone who is currently serving. Check-In to see how they are doing. Listen to their story, needs, or concerns. Be a support for them during this defeating moment in U.S. history, especially with the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 around the corner.

[1] Zachary Evans, Secretary of Defense: ‘I Don’t Have the Capability’ to Escort Stranded Americans to Kabul Airport, Yahoo! (18 August 2021. 3:24 PM). https://www.yahoo.com/now/secretary-defense-don-t-capability-202435618.html