The Complex Relationship: Afghan And Us Soldiers

The War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) was an armed conflict that began when an international military coalition led by the United States launched an invasion of Afghanistan, declaring Operation Enduring Freedom as part of the earlier-declared war on terror. The Taliban-ruled Islamic Emirate was toppled and the Islamic Republic was established three years later. The conflict officially ended with the 2021 Taliban offensive, which overthrew the Islamic Republic and re-established the Islamic Emirate.

The United States had about 100,000 troops in Afghanistan at the height of the war. The war was the longest in the military history of the United States, surpassing the length of the Vietnam War (1955-1975) by approximately six months.

The war was not between Afghanistan soldiers and US soldiers. Instead, the US-led coalition forces fought against the Taliban and its allies, expelling them from major population centers. The Taliban regrouped and began a widespread insurgency against the new Afghan government and coalition forces.

The US military spent years training Afghan soldiers to fight insurgents. However, the Afghan National Army collapsed in a matter of days, and the Taliban captured the country.

US Withdrawal from Afghanistan

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 marked the end of America's longest war and its 20-year military presence in the country. The decision to withdraw was made by President Joe Biden, who inherited the Doha deal from the Trump administration, which set a timeline for the US to leave Afghanistan. The deal was criticised for emboldening the Taliban and weakening the Afghan government.

The withdrawal was chaotic and deadly, with thousands of Afghans who had served alongside US forces left behind. The speed of the US military's departure took almost everyone by surprise, and the Afghan government collapsed shortly after. The US State Department report on the withdrawal detailed damning shortcomings, including insufficient consideration of worst-case scenarios and poor crisis preparation. The report also highlighted the impact of the withdrawal on Afghans, with the country facing a collapsed economy, humanitarian crisis, and a Taliban regime.

The Biden administration's handling of the situation received negative views from Americans, with many expressing doubts about the war even before the withdrawal. The administration was criticised for not being prepared for an evacuation on such a large scale and for not taking accountability for the failures. The decision to withdraw troops was generally supported by the American public, with 54% agreeing with the decision, although there was a sharp partisan divide on the topic.

The US withdrawal had significant consequences, including the Taliban regaining control of the country and a refugee crisis as many Afghans fled. It also raised fears of Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for terrorists, with concerns about the impact on counterterrorism efforts. The future of US policy towards Afghanistan remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions about how to best support the Afghan people without empowering the Taliban regime.

US-Afghan Relations

The war resulted in significant casualties on all sides. As of 2019, over 7,000 US troops had died in Afghanistan and Iraq, with even higher numbers of coalition partners and local military and police forces losing their lives. The human cost also extended to high suicide rates among post-9/11 war service members and veterans, with over 30,000 suicides. Additionally, the war caused the deaths of over 43,000 Afghan civilians and left more than 100,000 civilians injured since 2001.

The US spent trillions of dollars on the war, with estimates ranging from $6.4 trillion to over $8 trillion when including interest payments. This enormous cost impacted the US economy and contributed to the federal deficit. Despite the massive investment, critics argued that the war lacked a clear purpose and that the US military presence was delaying the inevitable political process in Afghanistan.

In 2021, President Biden announced the decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan, marking an end to the two-decade-long war. The evacuation was challenging, with over 120,000 people airlifted out of the country. However, the Taliban's rapid advance and the collapse of the Afghan government led to a rushed exit. The US-Afghan relationship now enters a new phase, with the focus shifting to diplomacy, international influence, and humanitarian aid.

US Military Presence in Afghanistan

The US military presence in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, with Operation Enduring Freedom. The US-led forces toppled the Taliban regime, which had provided sanctuary to al-Qaeda, the terrorist group behind the 9/11 attacks. The war in Afghanistan became America's longest war, spanning nearly two decades.

In February 2020, the US brokered a deal with the Taliban, which included a permanent ceasefire and a reduction of the US military footprint in Afghanistan. The deal set a deadline of May 1, 2021, for the withdrawal of all US troops from the country. However, the deadline was extended to August 31, 2021, by President Biden, who cited concerns about the safety of American troops and the need to provide more time for evacuations.

The final withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan took place on August 30, 2021, marking the end of America's longest war. The evacuation effort was one of the biggest airlifts in history, with more than 120,000 people, including American citizens, Afghan allies, and third-country nationals, being evacuated to safety.

The US military presence in Afghanistan came at a significant cost. Over 2,400 American service members lost their lives, and more than 20,000 were injured. The financial cost of the war was also immense, with estimates placing the figure at over $2 trillion.

Despite the withdrawal of troops, the US has stated its intention to maintain a counterterrorism presence in the region and provide support to the Afghan National Security Forces. The US also continues to engage in diplomatic efforts to support the peace process and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists.

Casualties of the War in Afghanistan

The War in Afghanistan has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with casualties incurred by the United States, Afghanistan, and their respective allies. The war, which lasted from October 2001 to August 2021, has had a devastating impact, with consequences that extend beyond the battlefield.

For the United States, the human cost has been significant. According to the United States Institute of Peace, 2,324 U.S. military personnel, 3,917 U.S. contractors, and 1,144 allied troops lost their lives in the conflict. Additionally, 18 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operatives died, and over 20,000 American service members were wounded in action. The war has also contributed to high suicide rates among veterans, with over 30,000 post-9/11 war service members and veterans taking their own lives—a number that far surpasses combat deaths.

The Afghan people have also endured immense suffering. Approximately 70,000 Afghan military and police personnel have been killed, along with an estimated 46,319 civilians. The war has exacerbated existing issues such as poverty, malnutrition, poor sanitation, and lack of access to healthcare, resulting in devastating consequences for the country. The breakdown of the economy, public health, security, and infrastructure has left Afghans impoverished, with 92% of the population facing food insecurity and 3 million children at risk of acute malnutrition.

The true extent of the casualties may be even higher than reported, as the Pentagon has yet to release a full and accurate accounting of contractor deaths, and the number of civilian casualties is often underreported or suppressed. The impact of the war extends beyond those who lost their lives, with war widows, orphans, and those suffering from mental health issues also bearing the brunt of the conflict.

The war in Afghanistan has had a profound and devastating impact on all those involved, with casualties that extend far beyond the battlefield. The human cost of the conflict underscores the urgency of pursuing peaceful resolutions and ensuring that the rights and well-being of those affected are protected and supported.

Afghanistan's Political Future

The international community, led by the United States, played a major role in shaping Afghanistan's political future over the last two decades. The US-led invasion in 2001 toppled the Taliban regime and established an interim government. However, the US and its allies failed to build a stable, democratic state, and the country descended into civil war. The US and its allies withdrew their troops in 2021, leaving Afghanistan in a state of political and economic crisis.

The Taliban has retaken control of Afghanistan, but it is unclear how long they will be able to maintain power. The group has pledged to form an "inclusive" government and respect the rights of women and minorities. However, there are reports of violence and repression, particularly against women and ethnic minorities. The Taliban's ability to govern effectively and provide security for the country will be key to their long-term political future.

The Afghan people have suffered greatly during the last 20 years of conflict, and there is widespread desire for peace and stability. However, there is also strong opposition to Taliban rule, and it is unclear if the group will be able to gain widespread acceptance. There are already reports of resistance movements forming, and it is possible that Afghanistan could descend into another civil war.

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