Twenty-two years after the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan under the banner of the ‘War on Terror’, the scars of conflict remain deeply etched in the nation’s fabric. What was once heralded as a mission to eradicate terrorism has instead left a legacy of destruction, chaos, and unfulfilled promises.
Over 174,000 Afghans have lost their lives in the conflict, including more than 30,000 civilians—a number that continues to rise. Families have been devastated, towns obliterated, and a generation’s mental health permanently damaged. As the dust settles on this harrowing chapter, it becomes evident that Washington’s pledges during the 2021 withdrawal were left unfulfilled, whether due to complacency or reluctance to confront its own culpability.
The tragedies of war have extinguished hopes and dreams for countless people in Afghanistan. Children, in particular, have borne the brunt—many orphaned, facing acute malnutrition, and growing up amidst uncertainty. The stress of living in a war-torn country threatens to derail their futures, making these food-insecure children the heartbreaking icons of a generation that has known nothing but conflict.
One of the most evident consequences of this turmoil is the ongoing refugee crisis. The chaotic withdrawal left Afghan citizens in peril, with unfulfilled promises of peace and nation-building. According to UN statistics, around 30 percent of the population remains displaced, forced to undertake dangerous journeys in search of security and stability elsewhere.
Millions of Afghan families continue to suffer internally amid persistent uncertainty and terror, unable to rebuild their communities. Global news outlets frequently highlight human tales of refugees torn apart, hopes dashed, and lives lost while attempting to reach safer shores. These stories serve as a sobering reminder of the profound human costs of America’s prolonged war and its broken promises.
As Afghanistan grapples with the aftermath, the international community faces a stark reflection on the consequences of interventionist policies. The nation’s unending wounds call for renewed global commitment to support recovery, reconciliation, and a true path toward peace.
Reference(s):
The all-American war on terror: A tragic legacy in Afghanistan
cgtn.com
