Who Benefits from the US Continued Involvement in Afghanistan?
The United States' presence in Afghanistan has long been a subject of debate, with varying stakeholders harboring different interests. While the benefits are complex and multifaceted, who stands to gain the most from the US staying in Afghanistan?
The Military Industrial Complex
One of the primary beneficiaries of the US military presence in Afghanistan is the military industrial complex. Companies like Northrop-Grumman, General Dynamics, and KBR (formerly Kellogg Brown Root) have thrived on the ongoing needs of the US military. These defense contractors have profited tremendously from contracts related to security, intelligence, and other military operations.
The US Military-Industrial Complex and Shareholders
The military industrial complex, which includes USA military contractors, weapons manufacturers, and their shareholders, continues to benefit from the ongoing conflict. For these entities, death is still good business. The continuous demand for military technology, equipment, and services ensures a steady flow of revenue and profit. The situation in Afghanistan serves as a lucrative market for these companies to thrive.
Our Afghan Allies and Other Stakeholders
While the military industrial complex reaps economic benefits, our Afghan allies and other stakeholders see other kinds of gains. Much of the security, intelligence work, and air patrol in Afghanistan are provided by NATO forces and their allies. The Afghan people, who have depended on foreign help for security and medical services, continue to rely on these forces. The departure of these forces would leave a significant gap, as Afghanistan has always looked to external support for critical services.
Terrorist Groups and Power Vacuums
The US and other involved parties argue that the continued presence in Afghanistan is necessary to prevent the emergence of new terrorist groups. The history of conflict shows that violent radical groups tend to thrive where there is a power vacuum. Groups like the Lord's Resistance Army, Al Qaeda, Taliban, ISIS, and FARC all came to power during such vacuums. A stable government is needed to fill these gaps and suppress the growth of such radical groups.
The Analogy of a Yard
A helpful way to understand the importance of stability is to think of a country as a yard. A poorly maintained yard quickly becomes overgrown with weeds. Even if you pull out the weeds, they will quickly regrow. What you need to do is establish a healthy lawn. A healthy lawn prevents weeds from establishing and crowds out those that do. It also allows for easier management of any weeds that do sprout.
Similarly, the US seeks to establish a stable, healthy “law” in Afghanistan and Iraq before leaving. This will prevent the emergence of new terrorist groups that could pose a threat to global security. The continued involvement of the US military is seen as a means to maintain this stability and prevent the resurgence of radical groups.
Conclusion
The decision to continue the US military presence in Afghanistan is not a simple one. While some benefit economically from the military industrial complex, the overarching goal is to prevent the establishment of new power vacuums that could be exploited by terrorist organizations. As the world increasingly depends on stability and security, the continued presence of the US military remains a point of debate and strategic importance.