The Allure Of Battle: Foreign Fighters In Afghanistan

The war in Afghanistan has been a long and arduous conflict, resulting in thousands of casualties and lasting over 20 years. It began in 2001, in response to the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The conflict has involved a number of countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Australia, and has seen the rise and fall of the Taliban regime. The Taliban's resurgence in recent years has led to a rapid withdrawal of US and NATO forces, with President Biden announcing a full withdrawal by September 11, 2021. The future of Afghanistan remains uncertain, with concerns about the protection of women's rights and the possibility of the country once again becoming a haven for terrorist groups.

The US military withdrawal from Afghanistan

The US withdrawal was completed on August 30, 2021, with the last American service member departing Afghanistan. This marked the end of a 20-year war that cost trillions of dollars and claimed thousands of lives. The decision to withdraw was made by President Joe Biden, who stated that it was time for Afghanistan's leaders to decide their future and that the US military mission had achieved its objectives of getting the terrorists responsible for 9/11 and delivering justice to Osama Bin Laden.

The withdrawal was not without controversy, with some critics arguing that the US should have stayed longer to ensure stability and prevent a Taliban takeover. The Taliban, emboldened by the US withdrawal, rapidly gained control of Afghanistan, causing a refugee crisis and raising fears of a return to the brutal conditions when they previously ruled the country.

The US and its allies had committed to building a new relationship with Afghanistan based on support for the Afghan government and peace efforts. However, the peace talks made little progress, and the Taliban refused to participate until all foreign forces withdrew. The US continued to provide support to the Afghan National Security Forces and conduct counterterrorism operations in the region.

The US withdrawal was not without challenges, with the Taliban's rapid advance causing concerns about the capabilities and morale of the Afghan National Security Forces. The evacuation process was chaotic, with thousands of Afghans rushing to Kabul airport in an attempt to flee the country. The evacuation was further complicated by a suicide bombing that killed over 180 people, including 13 US service members.

Despite the controversies and challenges, the US maintained that the withdrawal was necessary, and President Biden stated that he did not regret the decision. The war's end allowed the US to refocus its resources and counterterrorism efforts on other regions.

The Taliban's resurgence

The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan left the Afghan National Army without crucial air support, maintenance contractors, and close air support, which had been vital in their fight against the Taliban. This, coupled with the Taliban's effective use of guerrilla warfare tactics, such as simultaneous attacks on multiple locations, quickly overwhelmed the Afghan forces, leading to their collapse in a matter of days.

The Afghan National Army also faced several internal challenges, including illiteracy, corruption, incompetence, and a lack of faith in the Kabul government. The Taliban, on the other hand, fought with ideological fervor, driven by their goal of ridding the country of foreign invaders, a value deeply enshrined in Afghan identity. This motivation led to a higher willingness to fight and die among the Taliban, further demoralizing Afghan soldiers.

Additionally, the Taliban's ability to infiltrate the ranks of the Afghan National Army and the lack of effective measures to root out corruption within the army contributed to its resurgence. The frequent rotation of U.S. military leaders also hindered strategic coherency, as each change in command brought a shift in command philosophy and tactical approach.

Moreover, the Taliban's endurance and resilience cannot be understated. They utilized classic insurgency tactics, including terrorizing civilians, attacking critical infrastructure, undermining the economy, and infiltrating Afghan units. Their strategy of outlasting the patience of the U.S. ultimately paid off, as the U.S. grew weary of the prolonged conflict and chose to withdraw.

The Afghan National Army's collapse

The collapse of the Afghan National Army (ANA) was a result of various factors, including low morale, internal distrust, and the loss of US airstrikes. The US spent billions of dollars and two decades training and equipping the ANA, but it fell apart quickly as the Taliban advanced. Here is an analysis of the reasons behind the ANA's collapse:

Low Morale and Leadership Issues:

The ANA suffered from low morale due to a lack of faith in the Kabul government and its leaders. Conspiracy theories about secret deals between the Afghan government and the Taliban were common among the troops. The US-Taliban peace deal also fuelled morale problems, as Afghan soldiers felt abandoned by the US. In addition, the Afghan National Army struggled with leadership issues, struggling to find qualified and competent commanders. Some generals were corrupt, pocketing pay meant for soldiers and embezzling funds. This further undermined the morale and loyalty of the troops.

Loss of US Support:

The loss of US airstrikes and military advisors dealt a significant blow to the ANA. The US withdrawal left the ANA without vital air support, intelligence, logistics, and planning capabilities. The ANA was heavily reliant on US firepower, and without it, they were forced into defensive positions. The US agreement with the Taliban also restricted their ability to target Taliban groups, giving the Taliban an advantage.

Corruption and Dysfunction:

Widespread corruption within Afghanistan's defence and interior ministries further weakened the ANA. Funds, ammunition, and food deliveries were stolen or sold on the black market, often ending up in the hands of the Taliban. Commanders created "ghost soldiers" to embezzle money and skimmed the pay of serving soldiers. This corruption led to a lack of supplies, low morale, and high desertion rates within the ANA.

Ineffective Training and Lack of Ideology:

The US military training focused primarily on tactical infantry skills rather than higher-level expertise in logistics, planning, and command. The ANA also lacked ideological cohesion and a sense of national duty. Many soldiers were illiterate, which created basic problems with equipment maintenance and even reading maps. The lack of education and specialised training contributed to the ANA's inability to function effectively as a fighting force.

Taliban's Military Strategy:

The Taliban's strategic capture of major border crossings, main highways, and the besieging of big cities further crippled the ANA. Many army units were isolated and forced to flee or dissolve. The Taliban's ideological fervour and desire to drive out foreign invaders also motivated their fighters, in sharp contrast to the ANA's lack of cohesion and will to fight.

The collapse of the ANA was a complex outcome of various factors, including low morale, leadership failures, loss of US support, corruption, ineffective training, and the Taliban's military strategy. The quick disintegration of the ANA shocked many and led to the Taliban's rapid capture of Afghanistan.

The future of women and girls in Afghanistan

• The Taliban's policies and actions have restricted women's rights and freedoms, including their access to education, employment, and political participation. They have been excluded from public office and the judiciary, and are banned from working in NGO offices.
• The international community, led by the United States, has emphasized the importance of upholding human rights, particularly for women and girls. They are taking steps to support and empower Afghan women, such as providing humanitarian assistance, advocating for their inclusion in decision-making processes, and calling for the Taliban to respect their rights.
• There is a consensus among international actors that the rights of women and girls are non-negotiable. The Taliban, as the de facto authorities, are bound by international obligations to respect these rights, including those enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), to which Afghanistan is a signatory.
• The situation on the ground is dire, with women and girls facing restrictions on their movement, education, and employment. They are denied access to basic services, and their safety and well-being are at risk.
• The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, including food and fuel shortages, has further exacerbated the challenges faced by women and girls.
• There is a need for a unified and principled approach by the international community to engage with the Taliban and advocate for the rights of women and girls. This includes providing humanitarian and development assistance while ensuring that it reaches those in need and promotes women's rights.
• Civil society, both within Afghanistan and internationally, plays a crucial role in advocating for women's rights and should be supported.
• The complex dynamics involving regional powers such as Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, and China add another layer of complexity to the situation. Their influence over the Taliban may impact the outcome of these efforts.

The role of the US in Afghanistan

The US role in Afghanistan has been a long and complex one, spanning decades and involving multiple US administrations. Here is an overview of the US involvement in Afghanistan:

The Soviet-Afghan War

During the Soviet-Afghan War, the US supported the Afghan resistance against the Soviet Union. The US provided financial and diplomatic support, as well as weapons and other aid to the anti-Soviet Mujahideen forces. This marked the beginning of US involvement in Afghanistan's affairs.

The Rise of the Taliban

After the Soviet withdrawal, Afghanistan descended into civil war, with various warlords vying for power. The Taliban, a group of Islamic religious students, emerged as a powerful force and seized control of Afghanistan in 1996. The Taliban imposed harsh laws and provided safe haven to Al-Qaeda, a terrorist organization led by Osama bin Laden.

9/11 and the US Invasion

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, orchestrated by Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden, led to a turning point in US-Afghan relations. The US, invoking self-defense, invaded Afghanistan with the goal of toppling the Taliban government and capturing Al-Qaeda members. This marked the beginning of the US-led War in Afghanistan, which became the longest war in US history.

The War in Afghanistan

The US-led coalition forces, with support from the Northern Alliance, quickly overthrew the Taliban government and installed a new administration under Hamid Karzai. However, the Taliban did not disappear and continued to wage an insurgency against the US-backed government. The US provided billions of dollars in aid, military training, and support for reconstruction efforts. Over the years, the US troop presence fluctuated, with a high of about 100,000 troops in 2010.

Peace Efforts and Withdrawal

Efforts to negotiate peace with the Taliban began as early as 2018, with the US agreeing to reduce its troop presence. However, violence and attacks by the Taliban continued, and the situation remained unstable. In 2021, President Joe Biden announced the complete withdrawal of US troops by August 30, 2021, ending the US military involvement in Afghanistan.

Aftermath and Ongoing Challenges

The withdrawal of US troops led to the rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's return to power. The US has faced criticism for the chaotic withdrawal and the failure to adequately train and support the Afghan security forces. There are ongoing concerns about the protection of vulnerable Afghans, particularly women and girls, and the potential resurgence of terrorist groups. The US has evacuated some Afghans at risk and continues to provide humanitarian assistance.

In summary, the US role in Afghanistan has been complex and multifaceted, involving military intervention, nation-building, counterterrorism efforts, and diplomatic negotiations. The US invasion in the wake of 9/11 shaped the course of events, leading to a prolonged war and efforts to establish a stable, democratic government. The withdrawal of US troops and the Taliban's return to power have raised new challenges and uncertainties for Afghanistan and the region.

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