Commentary: On the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, we should remember displaced people from Afghanistan, Ukraine and other countries, even when their tragic stories no longer dominate the headlines.
As tensions rise in Afghanistan following the takeover by Taliban forces in mid-August that threatens the small Christian community in the country, a Catholic priest managed to flee with a group of disabled children and nuns on Aug. 25.
Distinctly Catholic: Given the unwillingness of Republicans to resist Donald Trump's anti-democratic schemes, President Joe Biden's approval rating may be key to preserving our democracy.
We say: What can Americans do now about Afghanistan? We can expand our acceptance of refugees from Afghanistan, and other war-torn countries, while we're at it. And then we can vow not to do this again.
NCR Connections: Activist Kathy Kelly has been to Afghanistan nearly 30 times. She spoke with me about the U.S. withdrawal from the country, her perception of what's happening on the ground, and what responsibilities Catholics have now.
Signs of the Times: In Vietnam, we saw every insurgent as part of a worldwide communist conspiracy against the United States. In Afghanistan, we saw every Taliban as a terrorist who wanted to attack the United States. In both countries we ignored the deep resentment of their populations to foreign occupation.
Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: The GOP scrubs its website of praise for Trump's peace deal with the Taliban; Mark Silk on Ben and Jerry's boycott; Thomas Levergood loved the church's intellectual tradition.
Signs of the Times: Removing American troops from Afghanistan is the right decision, one that conforms to the fundamental principle of the just war theory that you should not fight an unwinnable war.
President Joe Biden's plan to withdraw U.S. armed forces from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, while welcome, is leading observers to renew concerns about human rights and the basic needs of civilians.
