The Longest War in US History Comes to an End: An Overview from the American Perspective

The longest war in US history terminated on 30 August 2021 with the total withdrawal of the US military from Afghanistan lands. The war began in 2001 in the context of the September 11 attacks when the Taliban refused to extradite Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. US and NATO troops were stationed in Afghanistan to achieve a politically controversial, rather unclear goal that oscillated between the prevention of terrorism and state-building.

President Trump signed the Doha Agreement, a peace agreement to end the war with the Taliban in February 2020. It stated that foreign troops would be withdrawn under the conditions that Afghanistan is not used as a breeding ground for al-Qaeda and the Taliban engage in diplomatic talks with the Afghan government. President Biden concluded the foreign policy trajectory Trump laid out, firmly claiming that it was a good decision.

US Reasons’ for the Withdrawal

There were various reasons for the US to withdraw all troops. One is the immense costs: the US has spent $2.3 trillion and lost the lives of 2400 American service members. Such costs significantly impacted domestic politics. The US public generally opined that such money, technology, and lives could be invested in initiatives that directly benefit American citizens. Progressives have strayed away from policies to promote human rights in Afghanistan and instead highlighted the importance of rebuilding America. Conservatives are less committed to President Bush’s freedom agenda and instead hope to put “America first.” Biden also included the withdrawal from Afghanistan in his presidential campaign. He had to abide by this popular agenda once his presidency began.

Moreover, America did not want to have another Vietnam where a losing war continued indefinitely; a respectful exit appeared to be a wise choice. The Taliban has grown extensively compared to the initial stages of the war. It runs a self-sufficient economy, and its weaponry has developed. It has also manifested strong confidence and determination to gain control over Afghanistan. Two decades of American effort have failed to sustain and reinforce the existence of a democratic government in Afghanistan. Thus, it appeared wise to negotiate with the Taliban, encouraging talks with the Afghan government and ensuring that Afghanistan’s land is not used for terrorist attacks against the US, rather than extending the war indefinitely.

The focus of American foreign policy has also diverted from its goals in 2001. Before, it considered Central Asia a region of significant strategic interest. Now, it has shifted its focus on advancing interests in the Asia Pacific. Additionally, the US is more invested in engaging in the rivalry with China and Russia.

Implications of the Withdrawal on the US and International Society

For Afghanistan, the American decision had tragic consequences. Following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and the final withdrawal of US troops, two bombing incidents occurred on August 26th in the vicinity of the Kabul Airport, claiming the lives of 13 US troops and dozens of Afghanistan citizens. Due to the radical fundamentalist tendencies of the Taliban, there have been abundant reports on human rights violations, especially on women and children. Such aggression paints daunting prospects for the future of Afghanistan.

For the US, The New York Times correspondents Shear and Tankersley suggest that such a turn in foreign policy will allow a more effective confrontation towards and undermining of rivals. They will invest more in economic and cybersecurity facets in the rivalry with China and Russia and use technological methods instead of troop deployment in confronting terrorists. However, the decision to withdraw may instead empower rivals. China and Russia may attempt to increase their sphere of influence in Afghanistan, and despite the Taliban’s current promises, Afghanistan could be used as a terrorist breeding ground.

American foreign policy is projected to be less hawkish and Wilsonian. The US will be less committed to state-building in foreign countries. Instead, it will strive to implement policies with “clear, achievable goals” that align directly with national security interests, as proclaimed by Biden on August 31st. Although this may be viewed positively in that the US is not supporting a corrupt government, it is likely to degrade America’s reputation as the safe-keeper of international democracy.

Moreover, such policy change has the potential to ignite distrust amongst US allies. For instance, while South Korea is currently a US ally, there are fears that one day, the US may decide to “give up” on South Korea as it did to Afghanistan.

While opinions on the American withdrawal from Afghanistan are diverse, it is undoubtedly a significant turning point in international history. We are now beyond the post-9/11 international society: a new world order is impending.