American Sentiment On Afghanistan: A Complex War Legacy

The war in Afghanistan was initially popular with the American public, with a Washington Post/ABC News poll finding that 93% of Americans backed military action in the country in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. However, over the course of the 20-year conflict, public opinion shifted, with many Americans eventually viewing the war unfavourably.

In the early days of the war, Americans expressed doubts about the chances of success and anticipated a high cost in terms of casualties and financial expenditure. These concerns proved well-founded, with the conflict resulting in the deaths of nearly 200,000 people and costing the US over $2 trillion.

By 2021, when President Biden announced the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, public opinion was largely in favour of this decision. However, the speed and manner of the withdrawal, which resulted in the rapid takeover of the country by the Taliban, was widely criticised.

While the war in Afghanistan was significantly more popular than the Iraq War for a long time, it eventually became broadly unpopular with the American public.

Americans' basic assessments of the 20-year U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan

• Support for the War: In the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, there was strong public support for military action against those responsible. A Washington Post/ABC News poll found that 93% of Americans backed taking military action, with more than 80% supporting going to war.
• Long-Term Assessments: As the war in Afghanistan dragged on, public opinion began to shift. A Gallup poll from July 6-21, 2021, found that 47% of Americans believed sending troops to Afghanistan was a mistake, while 46% disagreed. This was the highest level of disapproval since troops were first sent in 2001, excluding a 49% reading in February 2014.
• Cost of the War: The financial and human costs of the war have also influenced public opinion. The war has cost over $2 trillion and resulted in almost 200,000 total deaths. As the war continued, more Americans began to question whether it was worth the cost.
• Withdrawal Support: Despite mixed feelings about the war itself, there was significant public support for President Biden's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Surveys showed that a majority of Americans felt it was time for the U.S. to end its military involvement.
• Withdrawal Handling: While Americans supported the decision to withdraw, they were critical of how it was handled. Polls indicated that a majority believed the withdrawal process was poorly executed, and President Biden received low marks for his handling of the situation.
• Long-Term Impact: The long-term impact of the war and the withdrawal on U.S. politics and foreign policy is still uncertain. Some commentators have drawn comparisons to the fall of Saigon in 1975, which did not significantly affect President Gerald Ford's approval ratings at the time. However, it is difficult to disentangle the exact causes for shifts in presidential approval ratings.
• Partisan Divide: There has been some partisan divide in opinions about the war and the withdrawal. Generally, Republicans have been more supportive of the war and critical of the withdrawal, while Democrats have been more likely to view the war as a mistake and support the withdrawal.

Americans' views on the decision to withdraw U.S. troops

The decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan was generally supported by the American public, with 54% of U.S. adults agreeing it was the right decision, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in August 2021. This support was also reflected in polls by Ipsos, the Chicago Council Survey, Quinnipiac, and Morning Consult/Politico. Partisanship played a role in these opinions, with 70% of Democrats supporting the decision, while 64% of Republicans disagreed.

The public's support for the withdrawal was likely influenced by the lengthy and costly nature of the war. The conflict in Afghanistan was the longest war in U.S. history, spanning nearly 20 years, and resulted in significant casualties and financial costs. By the time of the withdrawal, many Americans viewed the war as a mistake, and a majority believed that the U.S. had failed to achieve its goals.

However, it is important to note that while Americans supported the withdrawal, they were critical of how it was handled. They disapproved of the Biden administration's management of the situation, with only about a quarter giving positive ratings to the administration's performance. The rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's swift takeover raised concerns about the execution of the withdrawal.

Despite the criticism, the decision to withdraw troops was seen as a wise strategic choice by some analysts. They argued that the U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan had become a strategic liability and that resources could be better spent on other priorities, such as addressing threats from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Additionally, there was recognition that the U.S. had failed to defeat the Taliban and that a continued military presence was unlikely to alter the dynamics on the ground.

In conclusion, while Americans supported the decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, they were critical of the Biden administration's handling of the process. The withdrawal was favored due to the war's length and cost, but the execution drew condemnation as the Taliban quickly regained control. Analysts offered strategic justifications for the withdrawal, acknowledging the limitations of prolonged military engagement.

Americans' views on how the withdrawal was handled

The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan was broadly supported by the American public, with 54% agreeing it was the right decision according to a survey conducted in August 2021. However, the same survey showed that 69% of U.S. adults believed that the U.S. had failed to achieve its goals in Afghanistan.

The handling of the withdrawal by the Biden administration received negative reviews from Americans, with large majorities expressing disapproval. In surveys conducted in August and September 2021, around seven in ten or more respondents stated that the administration's response to the situation was only fair or poor. Only about a quarter gave a rating of excellent or good.

Veterans and non-veterans held differing views on the withdrawal. While both groups largely agreed on the decision to withdraw, veterans were more critical of the Biden administration's handling of the situation. Six in ten veterans rated the administration's performance as poor, compared to 47% of non-veterans.

Partisan divisions also influenced perceptions of the withdrawal. While a significant number of Democrats supported the withdrawal, Republicans were more likely to oppose it. Independents who held an opinion on the matter were also largely critical of the Biden administration's handling of the withdrawal.

The rapid takeover by the Taliban and the chaotic evacuation process further shaped Americans' views. Many perceived the withdrawal as poorly executed, and Biden's approval ratings declined during this period. However, it is worth noting that other issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, also influenced public opinion and approval ratings.

Americans' Views on the War in Afghanistan

Public support for the war in Afghanistan waned over time, with Americans harbouring doubts about the prolonged military involvement. Retrospective approval of the war was low, and some polls indicated that a majority considered the war a mistake and not worth fighting.

Initially, the war received strong public backing due to the sentiment following the 9/11 attacks. However, as the conflict dragged on, support gradually diminished. The shift in public opinion was influenced by factors such as the cost of the war, the lack of progress, and the focus on nation-building rather than counter-terrorism.

By 2010-2014, public opinion turned sharply against the war, even after the death of Osama bin Laden. Polls during this period showed a majority opposing the war and believing it was not worth fighting.

Despite the mixed reactions to the withdrawal, there was a consensus that it was time to end America's longest war. The public remained divided on whether the overall military involvement in Afghanistan was a mistake, but most agreed that it was past time to leave.

Americans' views on maintaining the U.S. military footprint in Afghanistan

Early Years of the War

In the early years of the war, Americans expressed strong support for military action in Afghanistan. Polls from late 2001 showed around 90% approval for military action, with a Washington Post/ABC News poll finding 71% support for sending large numbers of troops. This high level of support was linked to the goal of countering terrorism and avenging the 9/11 attacks, with the public understanding that the conflict might be long and difficult.

Shift in Public Opinion

However, as the war progressed, public opinion began to shift. By 2004, there was a notable partisan divide, with 41% of Democrats considering the war a mistake compared to only 9% of Republicans, according to Gallup. The war's popularity never recovered its initial heights, even as military escalations occurred under President Barack Obama.

Growing Opposition

From 2010 onwards, public opinion turned sharply against the war, with a majority of Americans considering it a mistake and not worth fighting. This sentiment persisted despite the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011, which failed to rally support for the war. Polls conducted by various organizations, including Washington Post-ABC News, CBS, and AP-NORC, consistently showed a majority opposing the war and favouring withdrawal.

Impact of Biden Administration

The election of President Joe Biden in 2020 reflected Americans' desire to end the war, with Biden campaigning on a promise to end U.S. troop involvement. Biden's decision to withdraw all troops received significant public support, with polls showing approval ratings above 50%. However, the rapid takeover by the Taliban and the chaotic withdrawal led to criticism of the Biden administration's handling of the situation.

Comparisons with Other Conflicts

It is worth noting that public opinion on the Afghanistan War has been less negative compared to the Iraq War for a significant portion of the conflict. Additionally, Americans have shown more hesitancy to deploy troops in other conflicts, such as Syria and Iran, compared to their views on maintaining a military presence in Afghanistan.

In conclusion, Americans' views on maintaining the U.S. military footprint in Afghanistan have evolved over the course of the two-decade-long war. While initial support was strong, public opinion gradually turned against the conflict, with a majority ultimately favouring withdrawal. The complexity of the situation is reflected in the mixed reactions to the Biden administration's handling of the withdrawal, highlighting the challenges of concluding such a protracted and costly war.

Americans' views on the U.S. responsibility to ensure Afghanistan has a liberal democratic government

Support for Liberal Democracy in Afghanistan

Some Americans believe that the U.S. has a responsibility to promote and support liberal democracy in Afghanistan. This view is often tied to the idea that democracy is a fundamental American value that should be encouraged globally. Additionally, they may argue that a democratic Afghanistan would be a positive force in the region and could serve as a bulwark against extremism. This perspective was particularly prominent in the early years of the war, with the U.S. taking steps to support democratic elections and institutions in Afghanistan.

Opposition to U.S. Intervention

However, many Americans oppose the idea of the U.S. being responsible for establishing liberal democracy in Afghanistan. This opposition may stem from a belief in non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations or a sense that the U.S. should focus on its own domestic issues. Some may also argue that imposing liberal democratic values on Afghanistan is disrespectful of the country's unique cultural and historical context. This perspective has gained traction as the war in Afghanistan became increasingly unpopular over time.

Indifference or Pragmatism

A significant portion of Americans may not have strong opinions on the matter, either due to indifference or a pragmatic recognition of the complexities involved. They may prioritize other foreign policy goals or domestic issues over the establishment of liberal democracy in Afghanistan. Additionally, some may support a limited role for the U.S. in Afghanistan, such as counterterrorism efforts or providing humanitarian aid, without necessarily advocating for a liberal democratic government.

Impact of Partisan Politics

It's worth noting that partisan politics can also influence Americans' views on this topic. While there may be some variation between Democrats and Republicans, the difference in opinion is not as pronounced as on other issues. Both parties have had opportunities to shape U.S. policy towards Afghanistan, and the war initially had broad bipartisan support following the 9/11 attacks. However, over time, opinions have shifted, with some Republicans becoming more critical of nation-building efforts and Democrats expressing greater skepticism about the war's effectiveness.

In conclusion, Americans' views on the U.S. responsibility to ensure Afghanistan has a liberal democratic government are diverse and multifaceted. While some support the idea as an extension of American values and a way to promote stability, others oppose it due to non-interventionist beliefs or a pragmatic recognition of the challenges involved. The impact of partisan politics further complicates the picture, with shifting opinions across the political spectrum over the course of the two-decade-long war.

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