Veteran and author Elliot Ackerman on America ‘flat-out’ losing in Afghanistan

Decorated veteran and author Elliot Ackerman joins Margaret Hoover to talk about his new book, “The Fifth Act: America’s End in Afghanistan,” his role in the civilian-led evacuation of Afghan allies, and what happens next.

Ackerman discusses missteps in Afghanistan that spanned four presidencies, the Biden administration’s failure to plan for the worst-case scenario when U.S. troops withdrew, and how the war might have ended differently.

Twenty-one years after the 9/11 attacks, Ackerman also reflects on the successes and failures of the war on terror and the possibility that Afghanistan has again become a safe haven for terrorists.

He offers his perspective on other looming threats, including foreign powers like China and Russia, America’s domestic political dysfunction, and the growing divide between civilians and the military.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Stephens Inc., Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, Asness Family Foundation, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, and The Marc Haas Foundation.