The Complex Withdrawal: Examining The Troop Pullout From Afghanistan

In April 2021, President Joe Biden announced that the US would be withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, marking the end of America's longest war. This decision came after two decades of US military intervention in the country, which began in October 2001 following the 9/11 attacks. The withdrawal of troops started in May 2021, and by June, the Pentagon had reached the midpoint of its task. Germany, a major contributor to the NATO mission in Afghanistan, completed its troop pull-out in June 2021, ending a nearly 20-year deployment.

The US withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, marks the end of America's longest war

The decision to withdraw was made by President Biden, who chose to ignore warnings from military advisers that the departure could lead to a resurgence of terrorist threats. Biden's decision was influenced by his long-held belief that the war was unwinnable and that the presence of US troops was not having the desired effect. The withdrawal was initially set for May 1, 2021, as per the Trump administration's peace deal with the Taliban, but Biden pushed the date back to September 11—a highly symbolic day as it marked the 20th anniversary of the attacks that drew the US into the war.

The withdrawal was not without its challenges. The Pentagon was faced with the task of figuring out how to combat terrorist threats from afar, and there were concerns about what would happen to the Afghan security forces without US support. In the end, the US was able to complete its withdrawal by August 30, 2021, just ahead of the deadline. This marked the end of America's longest war and a significant moment in history.

The removal of troops coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks

The removal of troops from Afghanistan by the US government coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The attacks, carried out by 19 terrorists associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda, killed nearly 3,000 people and injured more than 20,000. The attacks involved the hijacking of four planes, three of which were flown into significant US sites, with the fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashing in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to overpower the hijackers.

The attacks had a profound and lasting impact on the country, leading to the declaration of a ""war on terrorism" by President George W. Bush and lengthy wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Security measures within the US were also tightened, particularly at airports, and Congress passed the controversial USA PATRIOT Act, which expanded the search and surveillance powers of federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

The decision to withdraw troops by the 20th anniversary of the attacks carries symbolic significance, marking an end to America's longest war and closing a chapter that began with the Sept. 11 attacks. The removal of troops also comes amid a deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, with fighting surging as the US military withdraws and the Taliban making territorial gains.

The withdrawal of troops has raised questions about the future of Afghanistan and the potential resurgence of terrorism. Critics of the withdrawal have expressed concerns about a collapse of the Afghan security forces and the possibility that the US may need to return to Afghanistan in the future. However, a majority of US adults endorse the decision to withdraw, despite criticising the Biden administration's handling of the situation.

The Pentagon still has not determined how it will combat terrorist threats like Al Qaeda and the Islamic State

The Pentagon has not yet determined how it will combat terrorist threats like Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, but there are several options available. One option is to reposition American troops in other nearby countries, such as Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, or Pakistan. However, reaching agreements with these countries may be difficult due to their proximity to Russia and the Kremlin's influence. Another option is to use drones, long-range bombers, and spy networks to monitor and target terrorist groups. The U.S. is also considering providing continued financial support and equipment to the Afghan security forces, but it is unclear who will train them once American troops leave.

The decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan leaves the U.S. grappling with significant unresolved issues. One of the main concerns is how to ensure that Afghanistan does not become a terrorist base again. The Pentagon is discussing plans with allies to deploy a less visible but potent force in the region to prevent this from happening. Attack planes, bombers, and drones could be used to strike insurgent fighters. However, there is a risk that Afghan commandos who provide intelligence on insurgent threats could disintegrate after the U.S. withdrawal, leaving a gap in intelligence.

The U.S. military is now flying drones from the Gulf, mainly via al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, on long missions that veer around Iran and through Pakistan. While Pakistan has allowed these overflights, they are seeking a more formalized agreement. The current counterterrorism strategy is limited by distance, as the extended travel time reduces the number of hours a drone can remain overhead. Military leaders are concerned about this arrangement and feel that more capability is needed.

Another concern is the security of Kabul's international airport, which could determine whether other nations can maintain a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan. Turkey currently has several hundred troops defending the airport, but it is unclear if they will remain. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul may also need additional security to ensure the safety of American diplomats.

The withdrawal of troops also raises questions about the continued support for the Afghan military. The U.S. has pledged to continue providing assistance and funding, but it is unclear who will train the Afghan security forces once American troops leave. Civilian contractors may be needed to fill this role, but it is uncertain if the Taliban will accept their presence.

The withdrawal exposes complex problems, including the security of Kabul's international airport

The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan has exposed a variety of complex problems that have yet to be resolved. One of the most pressing issues is the security of Kabul's international airport. The airport is Afghanistan's main air link to the world, and ensuring its security is crucial for maintaining diplomatic and commercial connections with the country.

Prior to the withdrawal, several hundred troops from Turkey, a NATO member, were defending the airport. However, it was unclear if they would remain, raising concerns about the safety of diplomatic personnel and other individuals travelling in and out of the country. The security of the airport is not just a matter of safe passage in and out of the country, but also of maintaining aid supplies and operations.

Discussions have been ongoing with the Taliban government about ensuring security at the airport. Turkey has expressed interest in operating the airport with Qatar, but only if its security demands are met. In January 2022, Turkey and Qatar reached a preliminary deal on airport security, with talks continuing on other aspects such as financing. The Taliban has also requested help from Turkey in resuming operations at the airport, and several countries, including the Netherlands, have expressed their willingness to support these efforts.

The security of the airport is closely tied to the larger issue of the country's stability and the ability of the Afghan government to maintain control. There are concerns that the withdrawal of US and NATO forces could lead to a collapse of the Afghan security forces and a resurgence of groups like the Taliban and Al Qaeda. The Pentagon has yet to determine a strategy for combating terrorist threats from afar, and it is unclear where American troops will be repositioned.

The rapid withdrawal of US and allied forces has left many issues unresolved, and it remains to be seen how the security of Kabul's international airport, as well as the country as a whole, will be maintained in the coming months.

The US military has removed approximately 500 loads of material from Afghanistan

The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan has sparked concerns among some officials and former military leaders. There are fears that the withdrawal will lead to a collapse of the Afghan security forces and a resurgence of terrorism. Additionally, there is worry about the large amount of military equipment left behind, which has fallen into the hands of the Taliban. The equipment includes vehicles, weapons, ammunition, and surveillance gear, valued at over $7 billion, according to a Pentagon report.

The decision to withdraw has also raised questions about how the US will continue to combat terrorist threats such as Al Qaeda and the Islamic State from afar. There are ongoing negotiations for bases to be used for counterterrorism missions, with US Central Commander Gen. Frank McKenzie stating their intention to "go after al Qaeda and ISIS from over the horizon."

The removal of troops and equipment from Afghanistan is a significant operation, with the US facing logistical challenges and concerns about the potential consequences in the region.

Frequently asked questions