I hadn't intended to post another journal about the Afghan War, let alone another one this early, but it looks like that war is wrapping-up --- and not for the better.

5000 troops of the 82nd Airborne just touched-down in Kabul to cover the evacuation of the US Embassy, and heavy fighting with the Taliban is taking place within 30 miles of the capital;
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/bid.....liban-advance/

My expectation was that this war would end this way, but that it would take several more months. Now it looks like the Taliban will have a total victory within the next 7 days.

Another observation; 5000 men is a close analog of the "Interim Brigades" --- now called Brigade Combat Teams --- that the US Army has developed since 1999 to replace their 10,000-man Divisions. 5000 men can't shoulder the responsibilities and sustain casualties on the level that requires a Division. If they're lucky, they'll be up, over, and gone before the Taliban comes within a mile of them.

If not...

Also, here's an image to keep fresh in mind as you watch all of this unfold;
https://d.newsweek.com/en/full/3232.....am-fall-01.jpg