Editorial
Over the last fortnight the American withdrawal from Afghanistan has been the main focus of almost all international media stations and other news outlets. Most of the criticisms have been against US President Joseph Biden and his decision to put an end to what has become generally known as ‘America’s longest war’. An aspect of the matter which has conveniently escaped the notice of most is the fact that Afghanistan and the so-called war had become a monstrously atrocious mechanism of corruption. For America it was akin to pouring endless streams of money into a bottomless pit — something in excess of three hundred million US dollars (US$300,000,000) each and every day, for over twenty years. Several economists and financial experts have assessed that Afghanistan became what was the largest money-laundering machine in recent history. It has been estimated that an investment of one thousand dollars ($1,000) at the beginning of the ‘war’ is now worth one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
That being the case it is not difficult to understand why so many are mad at Mr. Biden for putting an end to that ‘sweetness’. Those who are most unhappy with him are many of the same ones who scream about Democrats and their fiscally irresponsible ‘tax and spend’ policies whenever attempts are made to spend money on the American people, especially the less fortunate ones. Mr. Biden’s economic plans for the American people have placed the well-to-do, rip-off classes in a terrible bind, and their hypocrisy has now been brought into stark relief. But the president has demonstrated that ‘Leadership Matters’.
Our people in St. Kitts and Nevis are also feeling the terrible squeeze of the increases in the cost of food and other materials. Can we expect any help in that regard from the incumbent regime? They dare not even think of going against those who helped to put them in power and keep them there. Their love of power, position and money is too strong to allow them to truly care for the people. Leadership really matters. Unfortunately at this time that does not hold good for St. Kitts and Nevis.