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Afghanistan seen bringing ‘Global Britain’ down to size

  • UK government accused of complacency over Afghanistan retreat
  • Britain wants to focus attention on the Indo-Pacific region

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Britain last month withdrew most of its 750 remaining troops from Afghanistan but sent soldiers back to help with evacuations. Photo: Reuters
Hilary Clarkein London

The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan has caused collateral damage to the UK and its ambitions for a “Global Britain”, politicians and analysts say.

The UK, like its main ally United States, has been left stunned by the speed in which Taliban forces took control of Afghanistan and the fall of Kabul’s Western-backed government. It sparked a refugee exodus and chaotic evacuation operation by foreign powers, including Britain.

Former UK prime minister Theresa May this week lamented the situation, which came as US forces were withdrawing from the country ahead of the September 11 deadline set by President Joe Biden.

The Taliban’s march towards Kabul also came as both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab were taking a holiday at the same time.

“What does it say about us as a country?” May, Johnson’s predecessor, told a packed House of Commons on Wednesday.

“What does it say about Nato, that we are entirely dependent on a unilateral decision taken by the US.

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