Global Military Presence In Afghanistan: A Complex Collaboration

For nearly two decades, troops from several countries were deployed in Afghanistan under a United Nations (UN) Security Council mandate. NATO allies entered Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States to ensure that the country would not become a safe haven for international terrorists. The deployment of foreign troops began in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001, when the US, along with the UK, launched Operation Enduring Freedom. They were joined by about 43 NATO allies and partners after the UN-authorized International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) on December 20, 2001. At its peak, there were an estimated 130,000 foreign troops in Afghanistan.

Which countries had troops in Afghanistan?

In the two decades following the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, NATO Allies and partner countries deployed military forces to Afghanistan under a United Nations (UN) Security Council mandate. The invasion of Afghanistan, known as Operation Enduring Freedom, began on October 7, 2001, with the US and the UK at the helm, and was later joined by some 43 NATO allies and partners. This coalition, known as the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), was one of the largest in history, with troops from 50 NATO and partner countries.

At its peak, there were an estimated 130,000 foreign troops in Afghanistan. The US had the most number of troops in the country, with 2,500 soldiers. Germany followed with 1,300 troops, Italy with 895, Georgia with 860, the UK with 750, Romania with 619, and Turkey with 600. Other countries with over 100 soldiers in Afghanistan included Poland, Mongolia, Portugal, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Bulgaria.

Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, China, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan also had troops in Afghanistan at various points in time.

The ISAF mission ended in December 2014, with the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces assuming full responsibility for security across the country. In January 2015, NATO launched the Resolute Support Mission (RSM) to train, advise, and assist Afghan security forces and institutions. RSM had around 10,000 personnel from 36 NATO Allies and partner countries. In August 2021, RSM was terminated, marking the end of a two-decade-long military presence of NATO Allies and partners in Afghanistan.

Why did they withdraw?

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan was motivated by a desire to end "America's longest war", as described by President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump. The conflict in Afghanistan had been ongoing for two decades, and the US sought to bring its military involvement to a close.

In February 2020, the Trump administration negotiated a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban, setting a deadline of May 1, 2021, for the final withdrawal of US troops. This agreement was honoured by Trump, who reduced troop levels from 13,000 to 2,500, despite ongoing attacks by the Taliban on Afghan government forces and their continued ties with al-Qaeda.

President Biden, upon taking office, delayed the May 1 withdrawal date and conducted a review of the previous administration's plan. However, he ultimately pushed ahead with the withdrawal, setting a new deadline of August 31, 2021. This decision was made despite signs that the Taliban was not complying with the agreement and had stated their goal of establishing an "Islamic government" in Afghanistan.

The primary objective of the US in Afghanistan since 2001 had been to degrade the threat of terrorism against itself and its allies. Over time, this goal was largely achieved, with al-Qaeda's capabilities significantly diminished. Additionally, the Biden administration recognised that the threat of terrorism from other regions, such as Africa and the Middle East, had become more pressing.

The US also acknowledged the heavy toll that the war had taken. The conflict had "taken the lives of nearly 2,500 US servicemen and servicewomen, cost a trillion dollars, and occupied the attention of four presidential administrations". There was a growing sense of war weariness among Americans, and criticism of ""endless" wars.

Furthermore, the US military presence had failed to bring about stability in Afghanistan. The Afghan government struggled to govern effectively, and violence escalated in the country, with the Taliban making significant gains. The US recognised that its military engagement was not reversing these dynamics and that its resources would be better spent on other strategic priorities, such as addressing threats from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

The withdrawal of US troops was completed on August 30, 2021, bringing an end to America's longest war and marking a shift in strategic focus.

How many troops were there?

The number of troops in Afghanistan has varied over the years, with the highest number being recorded between 2010 and 2012, when the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) had roughly 130,000 troops from 51 NATO and partner nations stationed across 400 military bases in the country.

ISAF was a multinational military mission in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014, with the primary goal of training the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and assisting Afghanistan in rebuilding key government institutions. It was established by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1386, pursuant to the Bonn Agreement, which outlined the establishment of a permanent Afghan government following the US invasion in October 2001.

ISAF's initial mandate was to secure the Afghan capital of Kabul and its surrounding area against opposition forces to facilitate the formation of the Afghan Transitional Administration headed by Hamid Karzai. In 2003, NATO took command of the mission at the request of the UN and the Afghan government, marking its first deployment outside Europe and North America.

The number of troops in Afghanistan increased significantly over the years as ISAF's presence expanded across the country. By 2006, ISAF had taken responsibility for the entire country, and its troops became increasingly engaged in fighting a growing insurgency. In 2009, a new counter-insurgency strategy was implemented, leading to the deployment of an additional 40,000 troops.

In 2011, ISAF's focus shifted from combat operations to training, advising, and assisting the ANSF as responsibility for security was gradually transitioned to Afghan forces. This drawdown of international troops took place in a coordinated and gradual manner, with the full transition to Afghan security responsibility being completed by the end of 2014, when the ISAF mission was terminated.

A new, smaller non-combat mission, the Resolute Support Mission, was launched in January 2015 to provide further training and assistance to the Afghan security forces and institutions. As of August 2020, RSM had around 10,000 personnel from 36 NATO Allies and partner countries.

The withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan was completed in August 2021, bringing an end to a nearly 20-year military presence in the country.

What was the impact of the withdrawal?

The withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan had a profound impact on the country and its people. The consequences of the withdrawal were felt across the political, social, and humanitarian spheres.

Political Impact

The withdrawal of US and NATO troops from Afghanistan marked the end of a 20-year war that began in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The stated goal of the military presence was to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for international terrorists and to ensure that the country could exercise its authority and build its security forces. However, despite the prolonged presence of foreign troops, the Afghan government struggled to bring stability to the country, and fighting between NATO and Taliban forces persisted.

The withdrawal of troops resulted in a power vacuum that the Taliban was quick to fill. Within months of the withdrawal, the Taliban had seized control of dozens of districts and provincial capitals, eventually capturing Kabul and overthrowing the Afghan government. This rapid advance took many by surprise, including US intelligence, which had initially estimated that Kabul would fall within months or weeks of the withdrawal but later revised this assessment. The Taliban's takeover raised concerns about a potential return to strict Sharia law and the suppression of human rights, particularly for women and children.

The collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's rise to power also had diplomatic repercussions. Several countries evacuated their embassy staff and shuttered their embassies, and the future of diplomatic relations with Afghanistan became uncertain.

Social Impact

The withdrawal of foreign troops had a significant impact on Afghan society. The security situation deteriorated, with district capitals falling to the Taliban at an alarming pace. The Afghan security forces suffered from low morale, frequent leadership changes, and supply shortages due to poor planning and the loss of international air support. The Taliban's military wing gained momentum and pursued an aggressive offensive, further destabilizing the country.

The political and security situation led to a brain drain, with civil society leaders, journalists, and other prominent figures fleeing the country due to threats and targeted killings. Women, in particular, faced deep insecurity about their future rights and freedoms. The space for civil society to operate and influence decision-making diminished as Western donors' influence waned.

Humanitarian Impact

The withdrawal of troops also exacerbated humanitarian needs in Afghanistan. A third wave of COVID-19 gripped the country, and the healthcare system struggled to cope, with hospitals turning away patients due to a lack of beds and oxygen supply. The foreign withdrawal and deteriorating security situation further worsened the pandemic's impact.

In addition to the health crisis, the country faced a growing displacement crisis, with increasing numbers of internally displaced persons due to conflict, drought, and other factors. The Afghan government's ability to provide basic services was strained, and the overall economy and future livelihoods were profoundly affected.

In conclusion, the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan had far-reaching consequences. It led to a rapid shift in the country's political landscape, with the Taliban seizing power and imposing their rule. Socially, it resulted in increased instability, targeted attacks on civilians, and a shrinking space for civil society. The humanitarian situation also deteriorated, with the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, and drought contributing to a worsening crisis. The full impact of the withdrawal will continue to unfold in the years to come.

What was the purpose of the troops being there?

The purpose of the troops being in Afghanistan was to ensure that the country would not become a safe haven for international terrorists to attack NATO member countries. The troops were also there to create the conditions for the Afghan government to be able to exercise its authority throughout the country and build the capacity of the Afghan national security forces, including in the fight against international terrorism.

The deployment of foreign troops began in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001, when the US, along with the UK, launched Operation Enduring Freedom. They were joined by some 43 NATO allies and partners after the UN-authorized International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) on December 20, 2001. At its peak, there were an estimated 130,000 foreign troops in Afghanistan.

The ISAF mission was one of the largest coalitions in history and NATO's longest and most challenging mission to date. It was also NATO's first operational commitment outside of Europe. The number of ISAF troops grew from an initial 5,000 to around 65,000 troops from 42 countries, including all 28 NATO member states.

In addition to ISAF, NATO also led the Resolute Support Mission (RSM), which focused on training, advising, and assisting Afghan security forces and institutions to fight terrorism and secure their country. RSM had around 10,000 personnel from 36 NATO Allies and partner countries.

The presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan was part of an international effort to combat terrorism and promote good governance, the rule of law, and long-term development. The troops helped to develop professional, capable, and self-sustaining Afghan National Security Forces, including the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police. They also supported the reconstruction of Afghanistan, with the US Congress appropriating over $38 billion in humanitarian and reconstruction assistance from 2001 to 2009.

The goal of the military presence was to strengthen US-Afghan ties and help ensure Afghanistan's long-term security, democracy, and prosperity. This included training and equipping Afghan security forces, as well as rebuilding the country's economy and political democracy.

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