US Military Presence in Afghanistan: A Comprehensive Overview
Less than a month after the 9/11 attacks, American and allied forces began combat operations in Afghanistan, targeting al Qaeda and the Taliban regime that had been giving al Qaeda protection.
Nearly two decades later, the United States withdrew most of its troops from Afghanistan and the Taliban regained control of the country’s capital.
US President Joe Biden admitted that the collapse of the Afghan government happened more quickly than his administration had anticipated, but he refused to back away from his decision to end America’s longest war.
“I stand squarely behind my decision,” Biden said. “After 20 years, I’ve learned the hard way that there was never a good time to withdraw US forces.”
During his announcement of the withdrawal in April 2021, Biden emphasized that diplomatic and humanitarian efforts would continue in Afghanistan and that the United States would support peace initiatives between the Afghan government and the Taliban. He stated that a war that had resulted in the loss of approximately 2,300 troops and cost in excess of $2 trillion no longer aligned with the pressing foreign policy concerns of 2021.
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Timeline of Key Events in Afghanistan
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Ruben Sprich/Reuters
By chronicling the unfolding events since the initiation of military operations in Afghanistan, it is essential to understand the political and humanitarian ramifications of the conflict. The withdrawal of American troops marks a significant turning point in not only US foreign policy but also in shaping Afghanistan’s future.
