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.