Former President Donald Trump attempted to come to a peaceful agreement between the Taliban and the Afghan Government back in 2019 to end what is referred to as the forever war.
The deal that was eventually negotiated called for a gradual withdrawal of the 14,000 American troops stationed in Afghanistan at that time over a period of 16 months, with an initial 5,000 to leave within 135 days. The deadline for all troops to depart was to be May 1, 2021. In return, the Taliban was to provide counterterrorism assurances to ease any fear of a repeat of Sept. 11 from Afghan soil.
Shortly before former President Trump left office, he withdrew U.S. forces, leaving those left in Afghanistan at a bare minimum of 2,500.
However, this left the Taliban in the strongest position militarily since 2001 with additional uncertainty as to what measures would be in place to ensure stability for the Afghan Government beyond the departure of American soldiers.
When current U.S. President Joe Biden came into office, he inherited a deadline for withdrawal, a deal with which the Taliban had not followed through with and too few U.S. troops on the ground to hold back Taliban advances. He was left with the choice to either escalate and send thousands of more U.S. troops to fight the Taliban or complete the withdrawal.
After administrative review and communications with the Afghan Government to discuss Afghan soldiers’ ability to defend their country and the abolition of corruption in politics, in April, President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. would continue to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan. His initial plan was to conclude the military exit by the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
As a result, many other NATO governments stated that they no longer had an interest or the ability to remain in Afghan without the logistical, security, and other support the U.S. forces provided.
Additionally, the Afghan government and military forces simply just collapsed. Despite the United States’ attempts to transition in such a way that Afghan forces would be able to hold their own against the Taliban, the instability and corruption within the government reared its head.
By May 1, 2021, the Taliban had taken over a majority of the country, which was much sooner than anticipated. Some of which by force while in other areas, the Afghan National Army withdrew without a single shot being fired. After taking control, the Taliban threatened to recommence attacks on any U.S. and NATO personnel and refuse to participate in any negotiations if foreign troops did not leave by the September deadline.
This takeover further caused pandemonium within the country as thousands of Afghans attempted to flee, storming the airport in Kabul after several countries commenced emergency evacuations for nationals and Afghan partners. At least two armed men were killed by American troops and footage appears to show Afghans falling from a plane after takeoff. Despite criticism, President Joe Biden has stood by his decision stating that:
“After 20 years I’ve learned the hard way that there was never a good time to withdraw U.S. forces.”
“Over our country’s 20 years at war in Afghanistan, America has sent its finest young men and women, invested nearly 1 trillion dollars, trained over 300,000 Afghan soldiers and police, equipped them with state-of-the-art military equipment, and maintained their air force as part of the longest war in U.S. history. One more year, or five more years, of U.S. military presence, would not have made a difference if the Afghan military cannot or will not hold its own country. And an endless American presence in the middle of another country’s civil conflict was not acceptable to me.”
The future of Afghan remains unclear and the September deadline may not be enough time for countries to evacuate all of their people, leaving many terrified for their fate.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid spoke at the first news conference in Kabul, conveying the message that the Taliban hopes for peaceful relations with the international community.
Within the conference, Mujahid claimed that:
- The Taliban is actively working to form a government and transparency of the structure will be disclosed in the coming days.
- Women will be able to work and study “within the framework of Islamic law.”
- When questioned about the country considering to house al-Qaeda fighters or other extremists, Mujahid responded saying, “Afghanistan’s soil is not going to be used against anybody” and “We don’t want any internal or external enemies.”
- Amnesty was also promised to former members of the security forces and those who worked with foreign powers.
Despite attempts to calm and win the hearts and minds of both Afghans and the greater international community, many are sceptical of the Taliban keeping their promises. Already in several cases, their actions have spoken louder than their words.
Footage of Taliban fighters executing 22 Afghan commandos as they attempt to surrender was leaked, however, spokespeople from the Taliban claim the footage is fake.
Additionally, Taliban members in Kandahar and Herat allegedly forced women working in banks to leave their jobs.
And, a group of girls on their way home in a rickshaw were reported to have been stopped and lashed for wearing “revealing sandals”.
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