Mr. Trump wasn’t unique among American presidents in the grandiose belief that he alone could somehow change behaviors of our enemies and adversaries. It should refuse the shifting of funds previously authorized and appropriated for other purposes (Mr. Trump made such shifts to construct the border wall). Supporting Mr. Trump’s Taliban agreement would have been — and should have been — a tough vote. Restraining presidential fiat may mean that some foreign policy opportunities are missed, that some deals will remain out of reach. As the debacle in Afghanistan shows, closer evaluation of Mr. Trump’s Taliban deal and of Mr. Biden’s withdrawal plans would have been preferable to the tragedy now unfolding.

Source: International New York Times August 28, 2021 15:00 UTC