I HAVE a nasty feeling that we will rue the day we left Afghanistan, not least in the way we are.
In a memorable and moving speech during Wednesday’s debate, my colleague Tom Tugendhat said that to prevent ‘forever wars’ and create lasting peace, patience is essential.
Tom, who has served with great distinction in Afghanistan, was spot on.
He cited the Cold War and Korea as two examples where the West had stayed the course and prevailed.
President Biden was universally condemned for accusing Afghan forces of not fighting and unilaterally withdrawing so quickly, especially during the fighting season when the Taliban are at their strongest.
The question over whether NATO should have remained in a supportive role, to ensure all the sacrifice over 20 years meant something, will be debated for a long time.
Now, we in the West, and of course the Afghans, face an uncertain and dangerous future.
The vacuum is already being filled by the likes of Russia, China, Pakistan and Iran.
Our hurried departure has made an already unstable world even more so.
As I said in my speech, those who fought in Afghanistan must be immensely proud of their achievements.
The Taliban were ousted, civil society recovered, and women and girls in particular benefited from education and jobs.
For them, and all those who helped us so bravely, many of whom will not get out, this return to the Dark Ages is a catastrophe.
As I write, the Taliban, despite their protestations of an amnesty, are making it increasingly difficult to reach Kabul airport.
UK and US troops guard the perimeter, but the situation is extremely volatile.
This humiliation can only give succour to our enemies.