'History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes' is a famous quote often attributed to Mark Twain. There are countless examples in history that illustrate this quote and today another powerful example has been added. 

The first photo was taken in Saigon, Vietnam in 1975. The US army was forced to evacuate its embassy as the Vietnamese communist army was taking the city. After a military intervention and occupation of almost two decades, South Vietnam would become communist. The US had failed to achieve its wargoal and fought a pointless war they could never win resulting in countless deaths. 

The second photo is from Kabul, Afghanistan, today. The US army is forced to evacuate its embassy as the Taliban are taking control of the city. After a military intervention and occupation of two decades, Afghanistan will become an Islamist state again run by the Taliban, sheltering Al-Qaeda, denying girls education and violating human rights. The US have failed to achieve its wargoal of bringing democracy, rooting out terrorism and nationbuilding. 

There's another famous expression that has been proven right yet again. Afghanistan is often called the 'graveyard of empires' as many have tried to invade and control Afghanistan, but all failed. From Alexander the Great to the British Empire, the Soviets and now the US. 

Let's hope there will be a peaceful transition of power and that every Afghan citizen who has helped the US and its Western allies build up a new Afghanistan and feels threatened, can find safety abroad. 

Originally posted on Instagram on August 15, 2021