View source for War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

== Background and Context ==

The [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)]] was a protracted armed conflict that began in the aftermath of the [[September 11 attacks]] in 2001. The United States, supported by its allies, launched [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] to dismantle the [[Taliban]] regime, which was providing sanctuary to [[Al-Qaeda]], the terrorist organization responsible for the attacks. The conflict evolved into a complex war involving various Afghan factions, international forces, and insurgent groups, lasting until the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops in 2021.

== Initial Invasion and Objectives ==

The initial phase of the war focused on the rapid overthrow of the Taliban government and the disruption of Al-Qaeda's operations. The U.S. military, alongside the [[Northern Alliance]], a coalition of anti-Taliban Afghan groups, quickly captured major cities, including [[Kabul]] and [[Kandahar]]. The primary objectives were to eliminate Al-Qaeda's presence and prevent future terrorist attacks.

== Counterinsurgency and Nation-Building Efforts ==

Following the initial military success, the focus shifted to [[counterinsurgency]] and nation-building. The establishment of a new Afghan government under President [[Hamid Karzai]] marked the beginning of efforts to stabilize the country. The [[Bonn Agreement]] laid the groundwork for political reconstruction, leading to the creation of a new constitution and democratic elections.

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Despite these efforts, the Taliban regrouped and launched an insurgency, exploiting the rugged terrain and local grievances. The insurgency was characterized by [[asymmetric warfare]], including guerrilla tactics, suicide bombings, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The U.S. and NATO forces implemented a counterinsurgency strategy, emphasizing the protection of civilians, building local governance, and training the [[Afghan National Security Forces]] (ANSF).

== Surge and Escalation ==

In 2009, the conflict intensified with the announcement of a troop surge by U.S. President [[Barack Obama]]. The strategy aimed to weaken the Taliban's momentum and create conditions for a political settlement. The surge involved deploying an additional 30,000 troops, focusing on key areas such as [[Helmand Province]] and [[Kandahar Province]].

The surge led to significant military engagements, including the [[Battle of Marjah]] and the [[Battle of Kandahar]]. Despite tactical successes, the Taliban's resilience and the complexity of Afghan politics posed challenges to achieving lasting stability.

== Transition and Drawdown ==

By 2011, plans for transitioning security responsibilities to Afghan forces began, with the goal of reducing foreign troop presence. The [[Bonn Conference]] in 2011 outlined a framework for Afghanistan's future, emphasizing regional cooperation and Afghan-led reconciliation.

The drawdown of international forces commenced in 2014, with the formal end of NATO's combat mission, transitioning to [[Operation Resolute Support]], focused on training, advising, and assisting Afghan forces. Despite these efforts, the Taliban continued to gain ground, capturing rural areas and launching attacks on urban centers.

== Peace Negotiations and Withdrawal ==

Efforts to negotiate peace gained momentum with the initiation of talks between the U.S. and the Taliban in 2018. The [[Doha Agreement]] in 2020 outlined a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops in exchange for Taliban guarantees to prevent terrorism and engage in intra-Afghan dialogue.

The withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces was completed in August 2021, marking the end of the longest war in American history. The rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's return to power underscored the challenges of achieving a sustainable peace.

== Impact and Legacy ==

The War in Afghanistan had profound implications for regional and global geopolitics. It highlighted the complexities of [[counterterrorism]] and nation-building in a culturally diverse and politically fragmented society. The conflict resulted in significant human and economic costs, with thousands of military and civilian casualties.

The war also influenced military doctrines, leading to advancements in counterinsurgency tactics and the use of [[unmanned aerial vehicles]] (UAVs). The legacy of the war continues to shape U.S. foreign policy and debates on military intervention and humanitarian assistance.

== See Also ==

* [[Taliban]]
* [[Al-Qaeda]]
* [[Afghan National Security Forces]]

[[Category:War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)]]
[[Category:21st-century conflicts]]
[[Category:United States military history]]