Australia's Commitment: Understanding The Nation's Role In The Afghanistan War

Australia joined the war in Afghanistan in October 2001, following the September 11 attacks on the United States by al-Qaeda. The country's involvement in the war, known as Operation Slipper (2001-2014) and Operation Highroad (2015-2021), was part of its commitment to the US-led multinational force, invoking the ANZUS Treaty. Australia's military efforts focused on counter-insurgency, reconstruction, and mentoring, with the aim of creating a stable and democratic Afghanistan. The country's contribution included deploying naval, air, and land forces, as well as participating in combat and combat support operations as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

The Australian Defence Force's (ADF) involvement in Afghanistan

In the following years, Australia's involvement in Afghanistan evolved to include securing and stabilising Uruzgan Province in the south of the country. From 2005, Australian Special Operations Forces targeted insurgent and terrorist networks, supported anti-narcotic operations, and helped develop the Afghan National Security Forces. During this period, the ADF maintained a continuous presence in Afghanistan, with various task groups and regiments rotating through the country.

From 2006 to 2008, Australia committed a Reconstruction Task Force to help construct schools, medical facilities, bridges, and patrol bases in Uruzgan Province. This effort also included training Afghan youths in carpentry and other trades. Subsequently, Australia's military focus shifted to mentoring Afghan forces through the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force, which later became the Mentoring Task Force in 2010.

In 2011, there were approximately 1,550 Australian personnel in Afghanistan, including a Special Operations Task Group, a Mentoring Task Force, and various support elements. The ADF's presence in Afghanistan continued to evolve, with a focus on counter-insurgency operations, reconstruction, and mentoring.

In 2013, Prime Minister Tony Abbott visited Afghanistan and marked the end of Australia's longest war, emphasising the country's commitment to the region. The last combat troops were withdrawn in December 2013, but a small contingent of ADF personnel remained as trainers and advisers until 2021.

The ADF's involvement in Afghanistan concluded with Operation Highroad, which began in 2015 and ended in 2021. This final phase saw approximately 400 Australian personnel deployed in mentoring, advisory, medical, force protection, and logistical support roles. Overall, more than 26,000 Australian personnel served in Afghanistan over two decades.

The US-led coalition's aim to create a democratic authority

The US-led coalition formed a UN-sanctioned International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to achieve this aim. The ISAF was tasked with creating the conditions for the Afghan government to exercise its authority throughout the country and build the capacity of the Afghan national security forces.

The ISAF was one of the largest coalitions in history and NATO's longest and most challenging mission to date. At its height, the force was more than 130,0000 strong with troops from 50 NATO and partner countries.

The ISAF worked to create the conditions for the Afghan government to be able to exercise its authority throughout the country. This involved developing professional, capable and self-sustaining Afghan National Security Forces. This was at the centre of ISAF's efforts and the core mission of the NATO Training Mission in Afghanistan.

The ISAF also helped create a secure environment for improving governance and socio-economic development. Afghanistan made the largest percentage gain of any country in basic health and development indicators over the decade of ISAF's mission. Maternal mortality went down and life expectancy rose. A vibrant media scene also sprang up.

The ISAF's efforts were complemented by the work of civilian and military actors, including the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the World Bank, the European Union and the development community.

The ISAF's mission formally ended on 28 December 2014, with security responsibility transferred to the Afghan government.

The war's impact on human life and mental health

The war in Afghanistan has had a devastating impact on the mental health of the Afghan people. The conflict has caused a psychological epidemic, with a dramatic increase in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions. According to the International Psychosocial Organisation (IPSO), 70% of Afghanistan's 37 million people are in need of psychological support.

The war has left deep psychological wounds, with two-thirds of Afghans suffering from mental health problems. The most common trauma events triggering mental health issues include shelling or rocket attacks, bombardments, and community and domestic violence. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to the psychological effects of the war. Children who have been exposed to armed violence are more likely to experience depression, night terrors, difficulty concentrating, aggressive behaviour, muteness, and sleepwalking. Women who experience war trauma are also more likely to develop depressive and PTSD symptoms, and to engage in domestic violence towards their children.

The lack of mental health infrastructure and social awareness in Afghanistan further exacerbates the problem. There is a significant shortage of psychiatrists and psychologists in the country, with less than 10% of the population receiving the necessary medical services to treat their psychological disorders. The stigma associated with mental health and the lack of mental health literacy also prevent many Afghans from seeking help.

The impact of the war on the mental health of civilians is long-lasting and far-reaching, affecting not only those who have experienced direct trauma but also their families and communities. The cycle of violence and trauma perpetuated by the war has left deep scars on the Afghan people, and the efforts to address the mental health crisis are crucial for the long-term well-being of the civilian population.

The role of the ANZUS Treaty in Australia's involvement

The Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty (ANZUS Treaty) was signed in 1951 to protect the security of the Pacific. In the aftermath of World War II, Australia and New Zealand were concerned about the rise of communism in China and Korea, and the potential for Japanese militarization.

In the 1950s, the United States was focused on rebuilding Japan and containing communism in Europe. Australia and New Zealand felt that their main allies in America, Britain, and other European countries were focusing on European interests at the expense of the Pacific region.

In 1951, the ANZUS Treaty was signed by Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The treaty requires signatories to consult in relation to any perceived threats and to act to meet common dangers. Notably, the treaty does not specifically require the provision of military support, and 'acts to meet the common danger' can include the supply of resources or diplomatic involvement.

In 2001, then-Australian Prime Minister John Howard formally invoked the ANZUS Treaty in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. This led to Australia's involvement in the United States-led 'War on Terror' and, subsequently, the war in Afghanistan.

While the ANZUS Treaty has been central to Australia's involvement in the war in Afghanistan, it is important to note that Australia's commitment to other US-led causes, such as the Vietnam War, has also been linked to the treaty. Australia's strong involvement in the Vietnam War, for example, has been interpreted as a means of proving its usefulness to the alliance and demonstrating loyalty in anticipation of potential future support from the United States.

In conclusion, the ANZUS Treaty played a significant role in Australia's involvement in the war in Afghanistan, with the treaty providing a framework for collective security and consultation between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Australia's exit from Afghanistan

In April 2012, then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that Australia would be withdrawing most of its troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2013, almost a year earlier than initially planned. This decision was justified by improvements in security, as well as the death of Osama bin Laden and several al-Qaida leaders. However, critics suggested that the early withdrawal was politically motivated to boost support for Gillard's Labor Party ahead of federal elections.

In October 2013, Prime Minister Tony Abbott travelled to Afghanistan with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten for a ceremony at the Australian base in Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan. Abbott acknowledged the end of Australia's longest war, expressing hope for a better Afghanistan due to their presence there. The last combat troops were withdrawn in December 2013, but around 400 personnel remained as trainers and advisers in Kandahar and Kabul.

In July 2014, Australia restructured its operations in the Middle East, splitting Operation Slipper into three different operations: ongoing operations in Afghanistan under Operation Slipper, maritime security operations in the Middle East under Operation Manitou, and support operations under Operation Accordion based in the Gulf States.

Operation Slipper concluded on December 31, 2014, and Australia's "train, advise and assist" mission in Afghanistan continued under Operation Highroad. Approximately 400 Australian personnel were deployed for this new mission.

In June 2018, allegations surfaced of Australian soldiers flying Nazi swastikas on their vehicles in Afghanistan, which were denounced by then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

In May 2016, an inquiry was launched into allegations of war crimes committed by Australian Special Forces personnel in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016. The investigation concluded that 36 incidents required criminal investigation, leading to apologies from the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Angus Campbell.

In June 2021, Australia completed its formal troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, ending its nearly 20-year military commitment. The last remaining Australian Defence Force members flew out of Kabul in the middle of June, ahead of the September 11 deadline set by the United States for the withdrawal of all coalition forces. This departure occurred amid increasing Taliban control over districts in Afghanistan and reports of American troops completing their exit.

On May 28, 2021, the Australian Embassy in Kabul was closed, and the last Australian Defence Force personnel and diplomats departed Afghanistan on June 18, 2021, marking the end of their presence in the country.

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