For two decades, Afghanistan has been the epicenter of a protracted conflict that has left indelible scars on both its landscape and its people. In 2001, the United States launched a military intervention with the primary goal of capturing or eliminating Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaeda leader responsible for the devastating 9/11 attacks. However, when bin Laden was finally found and killed in 2011, it was not in Afghanistan but in neighboring Pakistan.
Despite achieving their initial objective, U.S. and NATO forces remained in Afghanistan, engaging in a prolonged war against the Taliban, ISIS-K, and other insurgent groups. The continued military presence led to a war of attrition that ravaged the country, leaving it in ruins. Allies and local partners who had supported the foreign forces were left vulnerable to reprisals as the Taliban steadily regained control.
This prolonged conflict has not only devastated Afghanistan but also left deep psychological wounds on a new generation in the United States, reminiscent of the trauma experienced during the Vietnam War. Efforts at nation-building were minimal, as infrastructural developments were primarily aimed at supporting military operations. The U.S. established a government composed of Western-educated Afghans but struggled to gain widespread support among the general populace.
The human cost of the war has been staggering. The U.S. spent approximately $2.3 trillion, with the loss of 2,324 military personnel, 3,917 contractors, and 1,144 allied troops. Afghan casualties were even more devastating, with 70,000 military and police deaths, 46,319 civilian casualties, and 53,000 opposition fighters killed.
For years, the U.S. refused to negotiate with the Taliban, despite having had some level of engagement with them before 9/11. The Taliban themselves faced threats from more radical groups like ISIS-K. Although the U.S. eventually recognized the Taliban government, cooperation on humanitarian issues has been fraught with difficulties.
In the wake of bin Laden’s death, the justification for the continued U.S. presence in Afghanistan diminished. Nevertheless, the U.S. remained for another decade, attempting to train Afghan military and police forces. Despite these efforts, the Taliban continued to make significant gains.
In 2020, the U.S. signed an agreement to withdraw all forces. However, as the withdrawal progressed, U.S.-trained Afghan forces were unable to hold back the Taliban’s advance. By the time President Joe Biden withdrew the last troops in 2021, the Taliban had reclaimed control over the country.
The legacy of this two-decade conflict raises pressing questions about foreign intervention, nation-building, and the path forward for a nation striving to heal from the scars of war.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
