The United States' military involvement in Afghanistan began in 2001 with the goal of dismantling al-Qaeda and eliminating Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the tragic 9/11 attacks. Nearly a decade later, when bin Laden was finally located and killed, it became clear that he was not in Afghanistan but in neighboring Pakistan. Despite this revelation, U.S. and NATO forces persisted in Afghanistan, engaging in a prolonged conflict against ISIS-K, the Taliban, and various local factions.
Over two decades, the war left Afghanistan in ruins, with significant loss of life and infrastructure. The U.S. invested approximately $2.3 trillion in the region, resulting in the loss of 2,324 military personnel, 3,917 contractors, and 1,144 allied troops. Afghan casualties were even more staggering, with around 70,000 military and police deaths, 46,319 civilian fatalities, and 53,000 opposition fighters lost.
The conflict also extended to the United States, leaving a generation of Americans with trauma reminiscent of the Vietnam War era. Unlike traditional nation-building efforts, the U.S. focused on military objectives, setting up a government composed of Western-educated Afghans. However, without deep-rooted support from the general population, this government eventually faltered.
Relations with the Taliban were complex. Initially resistant to dialogue, the U.S. recognized the Taliban government in recent years but struggled to collaborate on humanitarian efforts. The withdrawal agreement signed in 2020 marked the beginning of the end of U.S. military presence, but the trained Afghan forces were unable to halt the Taliban's resurgence. By the time President Joe Biden completed the withdrawal, the Taliban had reestablished control over Afghanistan.
The legacy of the Afghanistan war serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and unintended consequences of prolonged military engagements. It underscores the importance of strategic planning, local engagement, and sustainable efforts in achieving long-term peace and stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
