How Taliban Expanded in Afghanistan During America's Longest War | WSJ

Summary

The script recounts the US-led campaign in Afghanistan post-9/11, which initially dislodged the Taliban but saw their resurgence with support from Pakistan. Despite the US surge under Obama, the Taliban's recruitment and territorial control grew, fueled by local discontent with US tactics. The Afghan security forces, plagued by corruption, struggled to contain them. As US troops withdrew under Biden, the Taliban rapidly expanded, raising fears of a potential civil war and the resurgence of fundamentalist rule, undermining the war's original aim to combat terrorism.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ On May 1st, 2003, the US declared victory in Afghanistan after toppling the Taliban regime.
• 🔄 Fast forward to 2021, the Taliban made a comeback as US troops withdrew, leading to a surge in civilian casualties.
• 🏔 The Taliban is estimated to control over half of Afghanistan's territory, including key border crossings and infrastructure.
• 🤔 The swiftness of the Taliban's advances has surprised many, highlighting the fragility of the Afghan government's authority.
• 🏠 The US had been attempting to withdraw from Afghanistan for years, with plans to end the war by the end of 2022.
• 🔄 The Taliban regrouped in Pakistan after their initial defeat, receiving support with the aim of returning to power.
• 💥 The Taliban's resurgence involved hundreds of suicide attacks and bombings, killing hundreds of US soldiers.
• 🇺🇸 Obama's counterinsurgency strategy failed to eradicate the Taliban, and controversial US tactics may have helped recruit more fighters.
• 🔄 The Afghan security forces struggled with corruption and were ineffective against the Taliban, despite US efforts to train and equip them.
• 🏳️ The Taliban's territorial control expanded significantly post-2017, with symbolic victories such as capturing Kunduz.
• 🏁 As foreign troops left, the Taliban took control of many districts without fighting, attempting to show a friendlier face to legitimize their rule.

Q & A

What was the initial outcome of the US-led coalition invasion in Afghanistan?

The initial outcome was that the Taliban abandoned Kabul and Kandahar, their main strongholds, after the US-led coalition invaded Afghanistan and deployed approximately 2,500 US troops into the country.

How did the Taliban regroup after their initial defeat?

The Taliban regrouped in Pakistan where they received shelter and support with the aim of returning to Afghanistan later.

What significant event occurred on May 1st, 2011, in relation to the war in Afghanistan?

On May 1st, 2011, Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda, was killed by the United States.

What was the peak number of US troops in Afghanistan around the time of Osama bin Laden's death?

The peak number of US troops in Afghanistan was around 100,000 at the time of Osama bin Laden's death.

What were some of the controversial tactics used by the US in Afghanistan that may have inadvertently helped the Taliban?

Controversial tactics such as night raids, arbitrary detentions, and airstrikes that sometimes killed civilians created contempt in local communities and helped the Taliban recruit more fighters.

What was the main problem with the Afghan security forces that hindered their effectiveness against the Taliban?

The Afghan security forces were plagued by problems such as corruption, which made them an ineffective fighting force against the Taliban.

What was the symbolic victory achieved by the Taliban after NATO announced the end of its combat mission?

The symbolic victory achieved by the Taliban was the capture of the city of Kunduz after NATO announced the end of its combat mission.

When did US troops finally leave Bagram, their main base of operations in Afghanistan?

US troops left Bagram, their main base of operations in Afghanistan, on July 4th, 2021.

How has the Taliban tried to legitimize their insurgency amid negotiations with the Afghan government?

The Taliban has tried to legitimize their insurgency by posting propaganda videos showing Taliban fighters shaking hands with Afghan soldiers or guarding borders without disrupting trade.

What are the two main risks for Afghanistan due to the Taliban's gains, as mentioned in the script?

The two main risks are that the country might split possibly along sectarian lines, which could lead to another civil war, or that a fundamentalist Islamist group takes power in Afghanistan again, undermining the purpose of the war to eradicate terrorism risks.

What does the United Nations report about the civilian deaths in Afghanistan during the resurgence of the Taliban?

The United Nations reports that civilian deaths of women and children in Afghanistan have hit record levels during the resurgence of the Taliban.

Outlines

00:00

🏹 The Resurgence of the Taliban

The script begins with a reflective tone, set against the backdrop of war in Afghanistan. It recounts the US-led invasion in 2003, which overthrew the Taliban regime that had harbored Al-Qaeda terrorists responsible for 9/11. Despite initial success, the Taliban regrouped in Pakistan and began a resurgence marked by suicide attacks and bombings. The US and NATO forces, including a peak of around 100,000 US troops, struggled to quell the Taliban's advances. The Afghan government faced internal issues like corruption, which weakened its security forces. The Taliban's territorial control expanded, causing alarm in the capital and leading to symbolic victories like the capture of Kunduz. The script also discusses the impact of US policies, such as night raids and airstrikes, which inadvertently helped the Taliban recruit more fighters.

05:01

🌐 The Taliban's Expansion and US Withdrawal

This section of the script details the challenges in mapping the Taliban's territorial control due to the fluid nature of the conflict. It discusses how analysts have used news reports and social media to track the group's expansion from 2017. The Afghan military's struggle to contain the Taliban is highlighted, along with President Trump's decision to send more troops, which reinvigorated the Taliban's resolve to fight. The script then describes the acceleration of the Taliban's territorial gains following the withdrawal of foreign troops, as they took control of many districts without conflict. The Taliban's attempts to present a more moderate image through propaganda are mentioned, as well as the Biden administration's stance on continuing air strikes and monitoring terrorist threats. The script concludes with the risks posed by the Taliban's gains, including the potential for civil war or the return of fundamentalist Islamist rule, which would negate the war's objectives.

Keywords

💡Taliban

The Taliban refers to a fundamentalist political movement in Afghanistan known for its strict interpretation of Islamic law. In the video, the Taliban is depicted as a group that once controlled Afghanistan and was ousted after the 9/11 attacks. The script discusses the Taliban's resurgence and territorial gains, illustrating their role as a central antagonist in the narrative of the Afghanistan conflict.

💡Afghanistan

Afghanistan is the country where the events of the video unfold. It's a nation in South Asia that has been the site of conflict since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. The video discusses the historical progression of the war in Afghanistan, the involvement of foreign troops, and the current state of the country under Taliban influence.

💡NATO

NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is an intergovernmental military alliance. The script mentions NATO troops being present in Afghanistan post-9/11, highlighting the international nature of the conflict and the collective security efforts against the Taliban.

💡9/11

The term '9/11' refers to the September 11 attacks in 2001, which were the catalyst for the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan. The video uses 9/11 as a starting point to discuss the subsequent military actions and the broader implications for Afghanistan and global security.

💡Civil War

A civil war is a violent conflict between opposing groups within the same country. The video suggests the potential for a civil war in Afghanistan, particularly in the wake of U.S. troop withdrawal and the Taliban's territorial gains, indicating a possible future of internal strife.

💡Insurgents

Insurgents are individuals or groups who rise in rebellion against an established government. In the video, the term is used to describe the Taliban, emphasizing their role as a destabilizing force in Afghanistan as they challenge the government's authority.

💡Bagram Airfield

Bagram Airfield is a former U.S. military base in Afghanistan. The script mentions U.S. troops leaving Bagram, symbolizing the end of a significant chapter in the U.S. military presence in the country and the beginning of a new phase in Afghanistan's history.

💡Corruption

Corruption refers to dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, often for personal gain. The video discusses corruption within the Afghan security forces, which has weakened their ability to combat the Taliban and contributed to the group's resurgence.

💡Counterinsurgency

Counterinsurgency is a military strategy aimed at combating and neutralizing insurgents. The video references U.S. counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan that did not eradicate the Taliban, instead, they may have inadvertently helped the Taliban recruit more fighters.

💡Osama bin Laden

Osama bin Laden was the leader of Al-Qaeda and was killed by U.S. forces in 2011. His death is mentioned in the script as a significant event during the war in Afghanistan, marking a turning point in the conflict and U.S. military strategy.

💡Withdrawal

Withdrawal, in the context of the video, refers to the process of U.S. and NATO troops leaving Afghanistan. The script discusses the withdrawal as a complex and fraught process, with implications for the security and stability of Afghanistan.

Highlights

May 1st, 2003, the US declares victory in Afghanistan.

The Taliban had been toppled only months after 9/11.

There were some 13,000 NATO troops in Afghanistan at that time.

Fast forward nearly 20 years, American soldiers have left, and the Taliban have come back.

Civilian deaths of women and children in Afghanistan have hit record levels.

Limited data suggests the Taliban controls more than half of the country.

The speed and scale of the Taliban's advances have surprised many.

Biden ordered America's troops to leave after a long presence.

Taliban victories meant US soldiers remained in Afghanistan longer than intended.

The Taliban began their resurgence in the middle of the decade with hundreds of attacks.

Obama began deploying more forces in the region to counter the Taliban.

Osama bin Laden was killed on May 1st, 2011.

US counterinsurgency strategy did not eradicate the Taliban.

Controversial US tactics in Afghanistan helped the Taliban recruit more fighters.

The Afghan security forces were plagued by corruption and ineffectiveness.

The Taliban's gradual advances began alarming people in the capital.

After NATO announced the end of its combat mission, the Taliban scored symbolic victories.

Trump announced he was sending more troops to Afghanistan.

US troops finally left Bagram, their main base of operations in Afghanistan, on July 4th, 2021.

The Taliban's expansion accelerated as foreign troops pulled out.

The group has been trying to show a friendlier face in propaganda videos.

Analysts say the Taliban's actions are part of a campaign to legitimize the insurgency.

US air strikes against the Taliban are expected to continue.

The Taliban's gains raise risks of a split country or a fundamentalist Islamist group taking power.

Transcripts

(pensive music) (text buzzing)

- [Narrator] May 1st, 2003.

The US declares war victory in Afghanistan.

- The bulk of this country today

is permissive, it's secure.

- [Narrator] The Taliban had been toppled only months

after 9/11, and there were some 13,000 NATO troops

in the country.

Fast forward nearly 20 years.

American soldiers have left, the Taliban have come back,

and the United Nations says civilian deaths

of women and children in Afghanistan

have hit record levels.

While it's difficult to map exactly

how much territory the group actually controls,

limited data suggests it's more than half of the country

with the insurgents claiming authority

over major border crossings and infrastructure.

- Many people, both inside and outside the country

have been surprised by the speed

and the scale of the Taliban's advances,

and by how fragile

the Afghan government's authority is looking.

- It's time to end America's longest war.

It's time for American troops to come home.

- [Narrator] Before Biden ordered America's troops to leave,

the US had been trying to exit for a while.

- And by the end of next year,

our war in Afghanistan will be over.

- [Narrator] But Taliban victories meant

that US soldiers remained

in the country much longer than intended.

- [Sune] And now the foreign troops have gone

and the Taliban is steadily taking over larger parts

of the country.

- [Narrator] Here's how the insurgent group

has expanded to become stronger than it's been in 20 years,

creating the conditions for potential chaos

as US troops leave behind a country

on the brink of civil war.

At the beginning of the war,

America's campaign in Afghanistan reached some milestones

in just a few months.

- When the US-led coalition invaded Afghanistan,

the Taliban had controlled the country for five years

after taking power following

an extremely violent civil war.

They'd imposed strick Islamic rule on Afghanistan.

All that changed after 9/11

when President Bush set out

to punish the group for harboring Al-Qaeda terrorists.

- The United States military has begun strikes

against Al-Qaeda terrorist training camps

and military installations

of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

- [Narrator] Bush deployed some 2,500 US troops

into the country,

causing the Taliban to abandon Kabul,

and soon thereafter Kandahar, their main stronghold.

- The Taliban were a broken force at that time.

They gave up barely without a fight

and melted back into society,

and retreated into villages.

Some Taliban commanders actually offered

to surrender in return for amnesty

but the US declined that offer

and wanted to keep fighting them.

They wanted to stamp out

every last terrorist from Afghanistan.

Instead, the Taliban regrouped in Pakistan

where they received shelter and support

with the aim of returning later.

- [Narrator] The Taliban began their resurgence

and by the middle of the decade,

they had launched hundreds

of suicide attacks and thousands of bombings,

killing hundreds of US soldiers.

(helicopter whirring)

So to counter their renewed presence,

Obama began deploying more forces in the region.

- The United States has conducted an operation

that killed Osama bin Laden,

the leader of Al-Qaeda.

- [Narrator] May 1st, 2011,

Osama bin Laden, the man held responsible

for the 9/11 attacks was killed

and around that period,

the number of US troops in Afghanistan hit a peak

of around 100,000.

(gun firing)

But policymakers and experts began

to question the effectiveness

of that large military presence.

- What became clear

was that the US counterinsurgency strategy

did not eradicate the Taliban.

In fact, some of the more controversial tactics

that the US used in Afghanistan,

such as night raids and arbitrary detentions,

and air strikes that sometimes killed civilians

created this contempt in local communities,

and actually helped the Taliban recruit more fighters.

- [Narrator] The Taliban's recruitment drive enabled them

to increase in numbers

and gain control of yet more territory,

launching near daily attacks

against the US and Afghan forces.

So with bin Laden dead and facing mounting pressure

from Democratic lawmakers in Congress,

Obama announced his plan to withdraw some 33,000 troops

from the region and transfer power

to the Afghan military.

- Our mission will change from combat to support.

By 2014, this process of transition will be complete,

and the Afghan people will be responsible

for their own security.

- That plan didn't work as intended.

The Afghan security forces were plagued

by problems that continued to haunt them,

such as corruption, which made them

an ineffective fighting force against the Taliban

who continued to fight,

allegedly armed and funded by Pakistan.

- [Narrator] The Afghan government has acknowledged problems

with effectiveness and corruption among its security forces

but told The Journal that corruption is decreasing.

And Pakistan's government has denied backing the Taliban

but says it has some limited influence over the group.

This map shows just how much territory

the Taliban had taken over in 2017.

- [Sune] The Taliban's gradual advances

across the country really began alarming people

in the capital.

- [Narrator] After NATO announced the end

of its combat mission,

(lively music)

the Taliban scored symbolic victory,

such as capturing the city of Kunduz.

(guns firing)

While mapping the Taliban's exactly presence

has been tricky in such a fluid situation,

some analysts have drawn maps based

on news reports and social media

that outline the group's territorial control from 2017.

At the time, the Afghan military

was already struggling to hold the Taliban back,

and Trump announced he was sending more troops.

- The security threats we face in Afghanistan,

and the broader region are immense.

- President Trump's announcement fueled the will

to fight among some fighters.

I remember speaking to young Taliban fighters

who said that they'd actually considered giving up the war

once the American troops left.

But once President Trump said he was gonna send more troops,

they said there was no way

they were gonna give up the fight.

- [Narrator] Around four years later, on July 4th, 2021,

US troops finally left Bagram,

their main base of operations in the country.

Meanwhile, the Taliban's expansion accelerated.

- We cannot continue this cycle of extending

or expanding our military presence in Afghanistan.

- [Narrator] As foreign troops pulled out,

insurgents took many districts

without having to fight.

The group has been trying to show a friendlier face,

posting propaganda videos purporting

to show Taliban fighters shaking hands

with Afghan soldiers

or guarding borders without disrupting trade.

(speaking in foreign language)

- [Narrator] The Afghan government didn't respond

to a request for comment on these images.

Analysts say it's part of a campaign

to legitimize the insurgency

amid negotiations with the Afghan government.

While the Biden administration

says America's military campaign

has accomplished its objectives,

US air strikes against the Taliban

are expected to continue.

And America plans to keep monitoring terrorist threats.

People in Afghanistan question

what the Taliban's plans are,

and whether they can coexist with the Afghan government.

- The Taliban's gains raise two main risks for Afghanistan.

One, that the country might split possibly

along sectarian lines,

which could throw the country into another bloody civil war,

or that a fundamentalist Islamist group takes power

in Afghanistan again,

which would undermine the whole purpose of the war,

which was to eradicate terrorism risks from the country.

(dramatic music)