Ashley Jackson

A summarized version of this article: "I'm complicit in the war that costed the lives of millions because I distorted facts but I now wonder what the ramifications of my actions were? Anyways I have white privilege so who cares really, just be thankful I'm being honest"https://twitter.com/BRRubin/status/1205852384943054849 …

Any reflections written by a former solider, complicit in an intervention that became the world’s deadliest conflict, are sure to reek of privilege; not just white but American/global North. But as general rule, isn’t it better for these soldiers to reflect, rather than not?

...In spite of the self-indulgence of public self-reflection, I think it can have great public benefit coming from US veterans: reflective ones are more likely to tell their friends/neighbors (or write op-eds) that war was a mistake. Don’t do another.

Even granting criticism of author’s positionality (and I do!), today’s context is key: powerful US policymakers/ commentators are trying to gaslight the #AfghanistanPapers, esp. military leaders. The op-ed is a rebuttal from their own “tribe.” I like to think/hope it will help.

Ok let's see, a) frankly I don’t see any reflection in her article whatsoever b) the timing of these “reflective” op-eds suggest that they come once everyone “realizes” facts about the world? where was her "honesty" all this time? it's been almost a decade c) these individuals

are knowingly complicit, their realizations and deep thoughts aren’t going to – to use your words – serve great public benefit. They need to give public apologies and be actively engaged in undoing the damages they’ve done.

This an important thread. Op eds like this make me want to tear my hair out. A lot of people knew, took the paychecks, took the promotions and now, by acknowledging their part in things, are taking bylines. Theirs is not the perspective I want to hear. It should not be privileged