In the United States, the people – and their elected leader – have made their decision. They want to withdraw. And not just from Afghanistan. There will be times in the future when America judges its strategic interest requires it to again act as the world’s policeman. But it is no longer going to act as the world’s social worker.

Boris recognises this reality, even if his critics cannot. So Tony Blair can continue to dream of a world where democracy and justice are administered at the point of a US Air Force drone.

Others can fantasise about a European Army – presumably with the likes of Emmanuel Macron, Viktor Orban and Micheal Martin in joint command – charging gallantly into the Hindu Kush, and sweeping out the Taliban in the name of civil liberties.

But someone has to deal with the world as it actually is. And away from the playschool politicking about sunloungers and missed phone calls, Boris and Dominic Raab are at least attempting to do that.