Central Asian States Forge Connections with Afghanistan Despite Human Rights Concerns
The aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history, with a renewed focus on combatting global terrorism and protecting democratic values. Secretary of State Colin Powell vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and uphold the democratic way of life.
President George W. Bush quickly shifted his policy towards fighting terrorism, leading to the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan to punish the Al-Qaeda network responsible for the attacks. The mission also aimed to overthrow the Taliban regime, which harbored Al-Qaeda.
However, the nearly two-decade-long war in Afghanistan proved to be costly in terms of lives lost and resources expended. President Joe Biden highlighted the toll of the war, with over $2 trillion spent, thousands of U.S. and allied personnel injured or killed, and significant civilian casualties in Afghanistan.
The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan under Biden’s administration has sparked debate and criticism, especially surrounding the chaotic final days of the operation. Republican nominee Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have clashed over the handling of the withdrawal, with Trump denouncing the “humiliation in Afghanistan.”
Experts point out that the U.S.’s involvement in Afghanistan evolved from a mission against terrorism to a nation-building endeavor, which became unsustainable over time. The challenges of establishing stable institutions and governance in Afghanistan contributed to the difficult decision to withdraw.
Looking ahead, there are doubts about whether the U.S. will engage in future “forever wars,” given the public’s weariness of prolonged military engagements. While the withdrawal from Afghanistan has brought attention to the failures and challenges of the war, there is concern that the larger lessons of the 20-year conflict may be overlooked in the partisan political discourse.
As the U.S. reflects on its experiences in Afghanistan, the question remains whether the era of “forever wars” is truly over and what lessons can be learned from this chapter in American history.
