Army Intel Officers: Navigating Afghanistan's Complex Battlefield

The war in Afghanistan was the United States' longest war, lasting 20 years. NATO Allies and partner countries deployed military forces to Afghanistan under a United Nations (UN) Security Council mandate. The war was sparked by the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, with the goal of ensuring that Afghanistan would not become a safe haven for international terrorists. During the war, the Afghan National Police were trained in special weapons and tactics, including SWAT techniques, to help them fight the Taliban. However, the Afghan military was heavily dependent on US air support and intelligence, and when the US withdrew its forces, the Afghan government quickly collapsed, with the Taliban taking control of the country.

The Taliban's resurgence and capture of Afghanistan

The US-Taliban deal, signed in February 2020, stipulated the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan by May 2021. This was followed by the withdrawal of other international allies, including Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Italy, and the UK. The US also cut down on technical, proprietary software, and logistical support for the ANSF, including aerial support, which the ANSF had been trained to depend on. This left the ANSF vulnerable and less effective in their fight against the Taliban.

The Taliban took advantage of this situation by employing a bottom-up strategy of negotiated or paid surrenders from village level upwards. They also made effective use of online social media to spread propaganda and win over people. Additionally, the Taliban enjoyed substantial support from various armed militant groups, including al-Qaeda and its associates.

The ANSF also faced several issues from within. Errors in US coalition training, Afghan police extorting locals, military officers funding themselves by inventing ghost soldiers, and months of unpaid ANSF salaries contributed to low morale and disorganization within the ANSF. Cronyism in military appointments and the inability of President Ashraf Ghani to create an effective national consensus further weakened the ANSF.

The Taliban's freedom of movement on the main Afghan highways was another factor in their resurgence. The ANSF followed US military advice to concentrate their forces on urban centers, allowing the Taliban to take control of most of Afghanistan's highways and block ANSF supply and reinforcement lines.

Finally, the Taliban were united by a militant Islamist ideology, while many Afghans were more loyal to their traditional ethnic, tribal, and familial ties than to the central government in Kabul. This division along tribal lines made it easier for the Taliban to negotiate surrenders with local warlords and troops.

The role of the US and NATO in Afghanistan

The US and NATO entered Afghanistan in 2001, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, to ensure the country would not become a safe haven for international terrorists. Over the next two decades, there were no terrorist attacks on Allied soil from Afghanistan.

In 2003, NATO took command of the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which aimed to create the conditions for the Afghan government to exercise its authority throughout the country and build the capacity of the Afghan national security forces. NATO's involvement in Afghanistan was its first operational commitment outside of Europe.

In 2014, the ISAF mission ended, and the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces assumed full responsibility for security across the country. The following year, NATO launched the Resolute Support Mission (RSM) to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces and institutions to fight terrorism and secure their country.

In February 2020, the US and the Taliban signed an agreement on the withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan by May 2021. In April 2021, NATO decided to withdraw all Allied troops from Afghanistan within a few months.

In August 2021, following the collapse of the Afghan government and security forces, NATO focused on ensuring the safe departure of personnel from Allied and partner countries, and those affiliated with NATO. Over 120,000 people were evacuated from Kabul airport as part of the coalition effort.

In September 2021, the RSM was terminated, and NATO suspended all support to Afghanistan. Any future Afghan government must adhere to Afghanistan's international obligations, safeguard human rights, uphold the rule of law, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and ensure Afghanistan never again serves as a safe haven for terrorists.

The Afghan National Police and their training

The Afghan National Police (ANP) is the national police force of Afghanistan, serving as the country's single law enforcement agency. The ANP is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Interior Affairs in Kabul and is headed by Sirajuddin Haqqani. The ANP traces its roots back to the early 18th century, when the Hotak dynasty was established in Kandahar, followed by Ahmad Shah Durrani's rise to power.

In the early 2000s, efforts were made to form Afghan security forces, including the ANP. The ANP evolved from these efforts and is recruited by Provincial Recruiting Officers (PRO). Recruits undergo an eight-week training program at the National Police Training Center in southern Wardak Province. Regional Training Centers for the ANP are usually located near Police Zone Headquarters or major coalition installations.

During the presidency of Hamid Karzai, the ANP received basic training from U.S.-led NATO forces, as well as from several government agencies from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In 2007, the EU-led mission (EUPOL Afghanistan) headed civilian policing in Kabul, while the U.S. established training programs in all provinces of Afghanistan.

The ANP has several sub-agencies, including the Afghan Uniform Police, Public Security Police, Afghan Highway Police, Afghan Border Police, Criminal Investigation Department, and Afghan Local Police.

The ANP faces several challenges, including illiteracy, corruption, and inadequate equipment and infrastructure. Many ANP recruits are illiterate, with an estimated illiteracy rate of 70%. Corruption is also widespread within the ANP, with international funds being diverted to pay the salaries of non-existent or absent policemen, known as 'ghost workers'. Additionally, there is a constant shortage of fuel, despite millions of dollars provided to the Ministry of Interior for this purpose. The fuel is often diverted by corrupt police officers, who pocket the proceeds.

The ANP has a high casualty rate, with more members being killed each year than soldiers in the Afghan National Army. This is partly due to their exposure to dangerous paramilitary activities and their small numbers when assigned to isolated posts without backup.

Despite these challenges, the ANP plays a crucial role in the battle against the Taliban and insurgents in Afghanistan.

The withdrawal of US and Allied troops from Afghanistan

The US and its allies invaded Afghanistan to support the Northern Alliance in overthrowing the Taliban and to dislodge al-Qaeda from its safe haven in the country. The Taliban was removed from power, and a new government was established. However, the new Afghan government struggled to bring stability to the country, and fighting continued between NATO and Taliban forces, resulting in high civilian casualties.

In 2014, NATO's combat mission in Afghanistan ended, but US and NATO forces remained in the country to provide training and support to the Afghan military. In February 2020, the Trump administration signed a peace agreement with the Taliban, which provided for a full withdrawal of US and NATO forces by May 1, 2021, on the condition that the Taliban would engage in peace negotiations with the Afghan government and prevent terrorist groups from operating within Afghanistan.

Despite initial challenges, the Taliban appeared committed to upholding its side of the bargain, and the US began implementing its withdrawal. However, negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government were slow, and the Taliban took advantage of the ongoing US withdrawal to rapidly gain control of dozens of districts and provincial capitals.

The unexpected outcome of the US disengagement stirred controversy, as Republican and Democratic leaders criticized the Biden administration for misjudging the strength and resolve of both the Taliban and Afghan government forces. The Taliban's takeover of Kabul on August 15, 2021, led to a rush of Afghan citizens and foreign nationals to the international airport, and the US and its allies focused their efforts on evacuating refugees.

The withdrawal of US troops was completed on August 30, 2021, marking the end of America's longest war. The Taliban's return to power left many questioning whether the war and its devastating destruction were worth it. However, optimists hoped that the defeat of al-Qaeda and the opportunity for the Taliban to prove its ability to govern would lead to a more stable and secure Afghanistan.

The future of Afghanistan

Security and Stability: The Taliban's rule has brought a degree of stability to Afghanistan, but the country remains vulnerable to terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS-K. The Taliban's ability to maintain security and prevent these groups from regaining a foothold will be crucial.

Humanitarian Crisis: Afghanistan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and in need of aid. The international community's response has been mixed, with some countries providing assistance while others have been reluctant to engage with the Taliban. The situation is further exacerbated by economic sanctions and a lack of foreign investment, leading to a collapse in the country's financial system.

Women's Rights and Education: The Taliban's treatment of women and girls is a significant concern. Despite initial promises to respect women's rights, the Taliban have imposed restrictions on education and employment, limiting their access to public life. This has had a devastating impact on Afghanistan's social and economic development.

Geopolitical Competition: The country's strategic location makes it a focal point for regional powers such as Russia, China, and Iran, who seek to exert influence and secure their interests. The US withdrawal has shifted the geopolitical landscape, creating new opportunities and challenges for these actors.

Economic Development: Afghanistan's economy is in a state of collapse, with high unemployment, food insecurity, and a lack of foreign investment. The country relies heavily on foreign aid, but the Taliban's limited recognition as a legitimate government hinders access to international financial institutions.

Governance and Political Stability: The Taliban's ability to govern effectively and provide basic services to the population remains uncertain. The group faces internal divisions and a lack of technical expertise, which could lead to further instability and a potential resurgence of opposition forces.

Refugee Crisis: The influx of Afghan refugees into neighboring countries and Europe has placed a strain on resources and heightened political tensions. The international community's response has been mixed, with some countries accepting refugees while others have taken a more hardline approach.

Drug Trafficking and Criminal Networks: Afghanistan remains a major producer and exporter of opium and heroin, with the Taliban benefiting financially from the drug trade. This has contributed to the country's instability and fueled criminal networks and corruption.

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