The removal of American armed forces and the chaos in Afghanistan should be no surprise. Nor should we blame Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump or Biden. They represent decisions by both major political parties over 20 years.

Remember that we, the people of the United States, never voted for a 20-year war to democratize Afghanistan. On Sept. 18, 2001, Congress voted to “authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against those responsible for the recent attacks launched against the United States.” Congress reneged on its constitutional duty to make what we know today are weighty decisions to go to war, abandoning this representative responsibility to a single person, the president. Congress never again discussed, debated and decided if, when, where, why and for how long our troops should be in Afghanistan.

Among the lessons we learn from our failure in Afghanistan must be the importance of Congress reclaiming war powers. You are not alone if the words “AUMF,” or “Authorization for use of military force,” are new to you. Please contact your elected representatives about urgent steps needed including repeal of the 2001 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF). Both authorizations are outdated, stretched beyond their intent by four presidents who expanded military operations throughout the world without Congress’ consent.

As we seek to democratize other nations, we must also preserve and strengthen our own democracy, including restoring and strengthening the balance of power, a keystone of our democracy. Also remind them that our foreign policy must pivot to a primary focus on diplomacy, peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian aid. This must include immediate protection of women and men left behind who aided the United States in Afghanistan and who are now in grave danger.

Jacqui Clark

on behalf of the Kennebec Advocacy Team

Hallowell