U.S. Exit From Afghanistan Seems Illogical; Why It’s Happening Anyway

The U.S. military hasn’t suffered a fatality in Afghanistan since February 2020—that is, for 16 months. So the tangible costs of staying in the country, at the reduced troop levels that had become the new normal, would have been relatively low.

Meantime, the intangible risks of leaving, on humanitarian as well as strategic grounds, are relatively high.

So what is it about the mood of America today that is compelling a departure?

The question is largely rhetorical at this point, because the departure is happening. The Pentagon said last week...