The utter capitulation of the Afghanistan government and its incompetent army is one thing. More shocking has been the humiliation of the American military and its commander-in-chief, President Joe Biden, accused around the world of being weak and indecisive.
But what's most disturbing is the plight of millions of Afghans, especially women and girls, who are abandoned and now staring at futures more reminiscent of the dark ages. It's a frightening time except for the Taliban, who've likely even surprised themselves at the ease with which they've regained control of this deeply troubled country.