The Complex Ethics Of Invading Afghanistan

The War in Afghanistan was an armed conflict from 2001 to 2021, sparked by the September 11 attacks. It 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 conflict officially ended with the 2021 Taliban offensive, which overthrew the Islamic Republic and re-established the Islamic Emirate.

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. Overall, the war killed an estimated 176,000–212,000+ people, including 46,319 civilians.

The United States has an interest in attempting to preserve the many political, human rights, and security gains that were achieved in Afghanistan since 2001. The Taliban takeover of the country could once again turn Afghanistan into a terrorist safe haven, as the group is believed to maintain ties with al-Qaeda.

The Taliban's rise to power

The Taliban, or "students" in Pashto, rose to power in Afghanistan in the mid-1990s following the withdrawal of Soviet troops, the collapse of Afghanistan's communist regime, and the subsequent breakdown in civil order. Here is an overview of their rise to power:

Origin and First Regime (1994-1996)

The Taliban emerged in the power vacuum left by the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989. The country was plagued by lawlessness, with local militias and warlords exerting control and engaging in extortion and assault. In this context, a group of former mujahideen fighters associated with a religious school in Kandahar province began to gain support by promising security and stability. They were initially known for their efforts to pacify the crime-ridden city and soon grew into the movement known as the Taliban.

The Taliban's rise was aided by several factors, including the downfall of the Soviet-backed government in Kabul, resentment among the Pashtun ethnic group towards the non-Pashtun-dominated regime that replaced it, and large-scale external assistance, particularly from Pakistan. The Taliban's brand of strict Islamic law and order held popular appeal among Afghans weary of constant conflict.

By late 1996, the Taliban had seized control of Kabul and gained effective control over about two-thirds of Afghanistan. Their rule was marked by a harsh interpretation of Islamic law, which included severe restrictions on women, the destruction of non-Islamic artistic relics, and brutal criminal punishments.

The Afghanistan War and Removal from Power (2001)

The Taliban's rule in Afghanistan was short-lived, as they were soon confronted by the United States and its allies following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks orchestrated by al-Qaeda. The Taliban had provided refuge to al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and refused to extradite him, despite international pressure. As a result, the United States and its allies began bombarding Afghanistan in October 2001 and supported the Northern Alliance, a group of anti-Taliban factions. By early December, the Northern Alliance succeeded in toppling the Taliban regime.

Withdrawal of U.S. Troops and the Taliban's Return to Power (2021)

Despite their removal from power, the Taliban survived and maintained a resilient insurgency against the U.S.-backed Afghan government. In 2020, the United States signed a peace agreement with the Taliban, pledging to withdraw all U.S. and NATO troops from Afghanistan in exchange for counter-terrorism commitments. The Taliban took advantage of the withdrawal and rapidly seized control of large territories, capturing Kabul in August 2021.

The Taliban's return to power has been marked by a repressive interpretation of Islamic law, severely restricting the rights of women and minority communities. Their rule has also led to an economic crisis, soaring malnutrition, and a rollback of gains in living standards made during the previous two decades. International observers remain concerned about the Taliban's ties to terrorist organizations and the potential for Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorists.

The US-led invasion of Afghanistan

The US relied primarily on the Northern Alliance, an anti-Taliban coalition, and also teamed with anti-Taliban Pashtuns in southern Afghanistan. The CIA, along with US and British special forces, provided arms, equipment, and advice to the Afghans, and helped coordinate targeting for the air campaign. In late October, Northern Alliance forces, with US assistance, began overtaking towns formerly held by the Taliban. On November 13, they marched into Kabul as the Taliban retreated without a fight. Kandahar, the Taliban's spiritual home, fell on December 6, marking the end of Taliban power.

The second phase of the invasion, from 2002 until 2008, was marked by a US strategy of defeating the Taliban militarily and rebuilding core institutions of the Afghan state. However, the Taliban regrouped and launched an insurgency against the US-led war effort. The third phase, which began in 2008, saw a shift to classic counterinsurgency doctrine, with US President Barack Obama announcing a troop surge in Afghanistan. The larger force was used to implement a strategy of protecting the Afghan population from Taliban attacks and supporting efforts to reintegrate insurgents. This strategy was coupled with a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign forces, with security responsibilities gradually being handed over to the Afghan military and police.

The US-Taliban peace talks

However, the peace process has been fraught with challenges and delays. One major issue has been the Taliban's continued use of violence as a means of leveraging power during negotiations. The Taliban has also been accused of failing to honour its counterterrorism commitments under the agreement, particularly with regards to its links with Al Qaeda.

Another challenge has been the weak and divided Afghan government, which has struggled to effectively participate in the peace negotiations due to internal dysfunction and security challenges. There are also concerns that a political settlement could scrap the constitutional order and restore the Taliban to power, which has made the government reluctant to compromise.

The US has played a critical role in the peace process, using its leverage to nudge the two mistrustful parties forward. However, the withdrawal of US and foreign troops has been a contentious issue, with concerns that a hasty withdrawal could destabilise the region and embolden the Taliban.

Going forward, it is crucial that the peace negotiations address key concerns such as power-sharing, disarming and reintegrating Taliban fighters, and preserving democratic institutions and human rights, especially for women and minority groups. Additionally, the inclusion of a neutral third-party mediator could help facilitate a successful peace agreement.

Overall, while the US-Taliban peace talks have faced numerous obstacles, they remain critical for achieving a sustainable peace in Afghanistan and preventing the country from becoming a safe haven for terrorists.

The fall of Kabul

The US-Taliban deal, signed on 29 February 2020, is considered a critical factor in the collapse of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). The deal stipulated a reduction in US air attacks and the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan, depriving the ANSF of crucial support in their fight against the Taliban.

In the months leading up to the fall of Kabul, US intelligence estimated that the city would hold out for at least six months after the completion of the US troop withdrawal. However, the Taliban was able to capture most of Afghanistan's provinces in rapid succession, and by early August, projections for the longevity of the Afghan government had declined significantly. On 15 August, Taliban fighters entered Kabul and seized the presidential palace, with President Ashraf Ghani fleeing the country.

The Taliban's return to power has had a lasting impact on Afghanistan, with the group consolidating its rule and implementing its fundamentalist Islamic doctrine. The US and its partners have limited leverage over the Taliban and have been unable to influence their policies, particularly regarding human rights and the treatment of women.

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is facing a complex and severe humanitarian crisis, with over half of its population requiring humanitarian assistance in 2024. The crisis is a result of four decades of conflict, poverty, natural disasters, and economic downturn. The Taliban's takeover of the country in August 2021 has exacerbated the situation, particularly for women and girls, who face severe restrictions on their daily lives, including their access to education, employment, and political participation.

Impact on Women and Girls

The Taliban's policies have had a devastating impact on women and girls in Afghanistan, with their fundamental rights and freedoms being curtailed. Women and girls face gender-based discrimination and violence, and they are prohibited from participating in political or public life without a male chaperone. Girls have been banned from secondary and higher education, and women have been forced out of their jobs, including in humanitarian work. These restrictions have increased the vulnerability of Afghan women and girls, impeding their access to aid and humanitarian services.

Food Insecurity and Economic Crisis

Afghanistan is facing a food insecurity crisis, with two-thirds of the population being food insecure. In April 2023, more than 17 million Afghans did not have enough food to eat, and 3.4 million were on the brink of famine. The economic situation has also worsened since the Taliban takeover, with international assistance being paused or cut back, and the country's central bank isolated from the international banking system. As a result, there has been a drastic loss of jobs, and around 19 million Afghans lived below the poverty line in 2020, which increased to 34 million by the end of 2022.

Health and Education

The lack of access to food, clean water, and income has led to a hunger crisis, with 20 million people facing acute hunger and malnutrition, particularly affecting women and children. The healthcare system is strained, with a shortage of healthcare professionals and limited access to quality healthcare, especially for women and girls. The education system is also affected, with over 8.7 million children in need of educational support due to the closure of schools and universities for girls and women.

International Response

The international community is struggling to balance providing humanitarian aid while pressuring the Taliban regime to moderate its hardline policies. There has been a "gigantic shortfall" in humanitarian aid, with only 25% of the $3.2 billion appealed for by the United Nations being funded. The complex set of sanctions imposed on Afghanistan has also complicated the delivery of aid. Despite these challenges, organizations like the UNHCR remain committed to delivering urgent aid to vulnerable Afghans within the country and in neighboring countries.

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