Written by Shreya Datta
Illustrated and Edited by Urvi Agarwal
The rapid 'Re-Talibanisation' of Afghanistan on 15th August, 2021 after the invasion of Kabul has paved the way for a humanitarian catastrophe and left the entire world in shock. However, what was the United States' militia's role in this sudden claim for power, if any? Here to explore, Shreya Datta, a writer at Perspectoverse, explores the intricacies of US intervention in Afghanistan.
“You have a row of dominoes set up; you knock over the first one, and what will happen to the last one is that it will go over very quickly.”
President Dwight D. Eisenhower, April 7, 1954.
This quote was related to the Vietnamese War that had taken place, another 'blotch' in US history. The Vietnam war ended in 1975, and 46 years later, the US has made similar mistakes, proving that it the US hegemony is detrimental to not only Afghanistan but also the Indian subcontinent.
The militant group Taliban marched into Kabul on Sunday, 15th of August, preparing to take full control of Afghanistan two decades after they were removed by the United States military intervention. The Taliban declared that the war in Afghanistan was over after insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul and said they plan to declare a new “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" soon. Over the past 20 years, the US has invested trillions of dollars into Afghanistan to expel Taliban agitation, an effort that was obviously unsuccessful.
President Joe Biden's decision to pull out of Afghanistan has undone 20 years of work and sacrifice, paved the way for a humanitarian catastrophe and called into question US credibility. President Joe Biden rushed to move in thousands of U.S. troops to evacuate American officials still in the capital. A grave miscalculation will cause loss of lives and unparalleled violence that will result in a humanitarian crisis, an unlivable home. Yes, the US are not the caretakers of such a country, but deploying troops and then pulling out the moment the country requires some help, is a cruel move. Numerous U.S. officials tell ABC News that key intelligence assessments had consistently informed policymakers that the Taliban could overwhelm the country and take the capital within weeks, proving that the Government was not in ang position to take charge.
His decision to pull out is hardly a surprise. Since his days as vice-president to Barack Obama, he has always insisted that the war should be limited in its mission.
As a senator from Delaware in 2001, he joined a unanimous vote to approve the use of military force in Afghanistan. But he opposed the deployment of more troops Mr Obama authorised in 2009, the so-called "surge".
The United Nations can't help in such a situation either because the Protection of Civilians Mandate mentions that all actions that the peacekeepers execute must be done in liaison with the host government but there is a lack of clarity on what must occur when the host government is incompetent and unable or unwilling to excercise its responsibility because it wishes for power and doesnt commit to protection of its citizens. However, the UNHCR can send aid and help in evacuation plans for civilians already trapped in the country. Neighbouring countries should be open to accepting refugees and not react the way the United Kingdom did with respect to Syrian refugees.
Taliban control in Afghanistan is a threat to most parts of the Indian Subcontinent as well. It leaves regions in India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan etc, vulnerable to violent threats as well.
The situation is dire and Afghanistan is calling for our help in any way it can. Amplifying their calls, spreading awareness and donating to good causes is all we can do as global citizens.
We stand with Afghanistan, we stand with Afghan women, children, the elderly and civilians caught in crossfire.
Further Reading:
- Council on Foreign Relations: https://www.cfr.org/timeline/us-war-afghanistan
- Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/71629b28-f730-431a-b8da-a2d45387a0c2
Shreya outdoing herself once again✨