The United States has been in a constant state of war since 9/11. The war in Afghanistan began on October 7th 2001, and at 19 years and 2 months is the longest conflict in US history. For context, the Vietnam War lasted 17 years and 4 months, and the Iraq War lasted 8 years and 9 months. After over 19 years of war, it is time for us to take stock of what we have accomplished — and failed to accomplish — in order to determine our best path moving forward when it comes to foreign policy.
Joe Biden shocked many in his own party when he selected Gen. Lloyd Austin — a retired four-star Army general who served as the 12th commander of United States Central Command — over Michele Flournoy — Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy under President Bill Clinton and Under Secretary of Defense for Policy under President Barack Obama — as his pick for Secretary of Defense. One primary reason this decision is seen as controversial is that Gen. Austin — having retired from the armed services in 2016 — has not been separated from the military for the minimum of 7 years, and will therefore require a congressional waiver to be appointed.
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