How the Taliban seized Afghanistan again - BBC News

Summary

The rapid collapse of Afghanistan's government and the swift takeover by the Taliban in 2021 took the U.S. and the world by surprise. After 20 years of war, a U.S.-led coalition deal and withdrawal left a power vacuum. Despite President Biden's assertion that Afghan forces could hold their own, the Taliban swiftly seized control, leading to a chaotic evacuation at Kabul airport. The international community now faces the challenge of engaging with the Taliban, who have a history of human rights abuses, as the West's influence wanes and the future of Afghanistan's democracy remains uncertain.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Taliban has taken control of Afghanistan after the country's president fled, leaving Western countries in a scramble to evacuate their citizens and personnel.
• 🕊️ The U.S.-led coalition removed the Taliban from power in 2001 following the 9/11 attacks, but the group never fully disappeared and continued to fight for years.
• 📜 In 2020, a deal was struck between the Taliban and the Trump administration, with the U.S. committing to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan.
• 🔄 President Biden reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to this withdrawal, aiming to end America's longest war and bring troops home.
• 🚨 Despite assurances of a strong Afghan military, the Taliban's rapid advance raised questions about the real strength and capabilities of Afghan forces.
• 🗺️ The Taliban made significant territorial gains in July and August 2021, capturing key provincial capitals and eventually the capital, Kabul, with little resistance.
• 👥 The international community, including the UN, expressed concern over the Taliban's rule, particularly regarding the rights and safety of women and girls.
• 🇺🇸 President Biden maintained his stance on the withdrawal, placing responsibility on the Afghan government to unite and manage the situation internally.
• 🛫 Amid the chaos, the focus shifted to the Kabul airport, where thousands attempted to flee, leading to desperate scenes of people trying to board planes and helicopters.
• 📣 The Taliban sought to reassure the international community of their intentions to maintain security and not allow Afghanistan to be used as a base for terrorism.
• 🌍 The U.S. and other Western powers now find themselves with limited influence in Afghanistan, as the Taliban looks to engage with regional powers such as China, Russia, and Iran.

Q & A

Who is currently in control of Afghanistan as described in the script?

The Taliban is currently in control of Afghanistan.

What significant event occurred in Afghanistan in 2001 that led to the U.S. led coalition removing the Taliban from power?

The 9/11 attacks led to the U.S. led coalition removing the Taliban from power in 2001 as al-Qaeda had been allowed to use Afghanistan as a base.

What was the outcome of the direct talks between the Taliban and the Trump administration in 2020?

The outcome of the talks was a deal where the Taliban agreed not to attack U.S. troops, and the U.S. committed to leave Afghanistan.

What was President Biden's stance on the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan as of July 2021?

President Biden recommitted to the withdrawal, stating that it was time to end America's longest war and bring the troops home.

What was the situation at Bagram Air Base on July 5th, and why was it significant?

On July 5th, the Americans left Bagram Air Base without telling the base's Afghan commander, marking a significant moment in the withdrawal process.

How did President Biden assess the risks of the withdrawal on July 8th, and what did he believe about the strength of Afghan troops?

President Biden believed that a Taliban takeover was not inevitable, citing the strength of the Afghan troops, which he claimed were 300,000 strong and well-equipped.

What pattern emerged as the Taliban took control of provincial capitals in Afghanistan?

The pattern that emerged was that the Taliban took control of provincial capitals mostly without resistance, and these cities often fell without a fight.

What was the international community's concern regarding the Taliban's rapid progress in August 2021?

The international community was concerned about the Taliban's human rights violations, particularly against women, and the potential for a catastrophic situation in Afghanistan.

What was the U.S. intelligence assessment regarding the fall of Kabul to the Taliban as reported by The Washington Post on August 10th?

The U.S. intelligence assessment believed that Kabul could fall to the Taliban within 90 days.

What significant event occurred on August 15th, 2021, that indicated the imminent fall of the Afghan government?

On August 15th, the Taliban entered Kabul with almost no resistance, and it was revealed that President Ghani had fled the country.

What was the situation at the Kabul airport on August 16th, and how did it reflect the desperation of the Afghan people?

On August 16th, there were harrowing scenes at the Kabul airport with thousands of Afghans desperately trying to get onto planes or U.S. helicopters to escape the country.

What was the U.S. stance on the Taliban's control of Afghanistan and the protection of women's rights as expressed by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken?

The U.S. called on those in power in Afghanistan to guarantee the protection of women and girls and their rights, stating that they would monitor how any future government ensures these rights and freedoms.