The Long Road to Withdrawal
The question "Who ended the Afghanistan war?" doesn't have a single, simple answer, as it involved a complex interplay of political decisions, military realities, and shifting national priorities over many years. However, the ultimate responsibility for the withdrawal of U.S. forces, and thus the "ending" of America's direct combat role, rests with the administration of President Joe Biden.
The Trump Administration's Deal
The groundwork for the final withdrawal was largely laid during the presidency of Donald Trump. In February 2020, his administration, led by then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, signed an agreement with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar. This agreement, often referred to as the "Doha Agreement," was a pivotal moment. Its key provisions included:
- A commitment from the Taliban not to allow any of its members or other groups, including Al-Qaeda, to use the soil of Afghanistan to threaten the United States or its allies.
- A commitment from the United States to withdraw all U.S. forces from Afghanistan within 14 months.
- An agreement for the Taliban to engage in intra-Afghan peace talks with the Afghan government.
This agreement set a deadline for U.S. withdrawal, effectively signaling the end of America's longest war, provided certain conditions were met. However, the implementation and interpretation of these conditions became a significant point of contention.
The Biden Administration's Execution
When President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, he inherited the Doha Agreement. After a review of the situation, he announced in April 2021 that the United States would proceed with the withdrawal, setting a new target date of September 11, 2021, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that triggered the war. This decision was based on several factors, including:
- The belief that the U.S. had achieved its primary counterterrorism objectives.
- A desire to end what was seen as an unwinnable nation-building effort.
- A strategic pivot to focus on other global challenges and domestic priorities.
The withdrawal process was accelerated, with the last U.S. troops leaving Afghanistan on August 30, 2021, well ahead of the September deadline. This marked the formal end of the 20-year U.S. military presence in the country.
The Role of the Taliban
It's crucial to understand that the "ending" of the war was also directly tied to the Taliban's actions and ultimate victory. The Doha Agreement was made with the Taliban, and their continued pressure and military gains on the ground were a significant factor in the U.S. decision to withdraw. As U.S. forces drew down, the Taliban rapidly gained control of territory, culminating in their takeover of Kabul in August 2021, just as the final U.S. troops were departing. Therefore, while the U.S. executed the withdrawal, the Taliban's ascendance to power effectively concluded the conflict from their perspective.
The Afghan Government's Collapse
The collapse of the U.S.-backed Afghan government and military in August 2021 was a direct consequence of the withdrawal. As American support diminished, the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, which had been heavily reliant on U.S. funding and training, were unable to withstand the Taliban's offensive. The speed of the government's collapse surprised many and contributed to the chaotic scenes witnessed during the final days of the evacuation.
"We accomplished what we set out to do in Afghanistan over a decade ago," President Biden stated in a speech explaining his decision. "We went to Afghanistan for the clear purpose of addressing the threat posed by al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, and the threat posed by the Taliban providing safe haven to al-Qaeda, and we did that. We launched a war that started on the basis of that specific mission."
Key Takeaways
- President Joe Biden ultimately ordered and oversaw the final withdrawal of U.S. troops.
- The Trump administration negotiated the Doha Agreement with the Taliban, which set the stage for withdrawal.
- The Taliban's military resurgence and eventual takeover of Afghanistan were central to the war's conclusion.
- The collapse of the Afghan government was a direct result of the U.S. withdrawal.
FAQ: Understanding the End of the Afghanistan War
How was the Afghanistan war ended?
The Afghanistan war was ended through a phased withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces. The Biden administration finalized the withdrawal, which had been initiated under the Trump administration's agreement with the Taliban, with the last U.S. troops departing on August 30, 2021. This withdrawal occurred as the Taliban rapidly regained control of the country.
Why did the U.S. leave Afghanistan?
The decision to leave Afghanistan was multifaceted. Successive administrations viewed the war as increasingly costly and drawn out, with diminishing returns. President Biden cited the original mission of combating Al-Qaeda as having been achieved, and a desire to focus on other pressing domestic and international issues. The agreement made by the Trump administration with the Taliban also established a timeline for withdrawal.
What was the Doha Agreement?
The Doha Agreement was a peace accord signed in February 2020 between the United States and the Taliban. It stipulated that the U.S. would withdraw its forces from Afghanistan within 14 months in exchange for security guarantees from the Taliban, including preventing terrorist groups from operating in Afghanistan.
Did the U.S. "win" the Afghanistan war?
The concept of "winning" is debated. The U.S. achieved its initial objective of dismantling Al-Qaeda's base in Afghanistan and preventing the country from being used as a staging ground for attacks on the U.S. However, the long-term goal of establishing a stable, democratic Afghan government that could resist the Taliban ultimately failed, leading to the Taliban's return to power.
