The Taliban Takeover of Afghanistan; America’s Unwinnable War!
By Ifeanyi Aniagoh
…here are things you should know!
Afghanistan has been in conflict for over 40 years and as of today, it is the longest war by America.
In 1979, the Society Union invaded the Country to support the Afghan Communist regime against some pockets of rebellion.
In response, America funded the Mujahideen forces to fight the Afghan regime as a proxy war against the Soviet Union.
10 years later in 1989, Soviet Union withdraw their forces.
It was more like a victory for America but that withdrawal sparked years of chaos and conflict in Afghanistan.
In 1992, the country erupted into a full blown Civil War.
This enabled the Talibans to grab power and in 1996, they took over Kabul, the Capital of Afghanistan abd declared an Islamic Republic.
The Taliban government reigned amidst wailings, hardship and restrictions such as:
No rights for Women, no female education, no democratic government and jihad.
People can’t watch movies, they can’t listen to music and women can’t go any where alone but only lived as tools for men.
It was such a strict government to the extent that there’s a particular kind of beard to wear.
The reign of the Islamic Republic reportedly tiled the soil for breeding of core terrorists and Islamic fundamentalists.
In September 11, 2001, America was attacked.
That fateful day, often referred to as 9/11, there were a series of 4 coordinated terrorist attacks by the Wahhabi Islamist terrorist group Al-Qaeda against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001.
Consequently, America invaded and toppled the Taliban government in Afghanistan because they shielded Al Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden.
And an interim government was instituted!
3 years after the invasion, a new constitution was made, democratic election was held and a new American backed government instituted.
While America was rebuilding, the Taliban forces were regrouping and became more strategic… So the war continued!
America spent huge resources and lost many soldiers to the war without end.
More than 40,000 Afghan civilians, over 65,000 Afghan forces and more than 3,500 foreign soldiers lost their lives.
At a time, President Bush pulled away some resources in order to win another war at Iraq.
Later President Obama sent in more resources including 30,000 troops trying to force Talibans to lose or negotiate a peace deal.
President Trump effected withdrawal of almost all American Troops in Afghanistan and tried to sign a deal with the Talibans but failed.
Lastly, President Biden declared that all Troops will leave Afghanistan by September 11, 2021.
As at today, the Talibans have retaken over Afghanistan after nearly 20 years from September 11 attack in 2001.
How did they achieve that?
They had the local appeal as they made the people love them more and hate the Democratic government.
They had access to drug money and Opium Poppies which is widely cultivated in Afghanistan.
They reportedly had support in form of guns and intelligence from the neighbouring Pakistan and Iran.
They now have over 85,000 Troops with many training camps across Afghanistan having taken over nearly all the 34 provinces in the Country.
There’s chaos in the country!
People are presently freeing the country with vehicles left on road sides and airport tarmacs overrun by citizens looking for flights to catch.
Many are crossing the borders via the deserts while some have gone into hiding especially those scared of becoming political prisoners.
Most embassies had closed and left Afghanistan long before now while US Marines have been evacuating Americans from their Embassy and burning sensitive documents, since last weekend.
Meanwhile, the Taliban has asked their fighters to avoid violence in the Capital and allow safe passage for anyone who wants to leave while women are advised to move to protected areas.
What happens next in Afghanistan will be determined by answers to these 5 basic questions:
1. Will the new Taliban Government run the country different from how they did from 1996 to 2001, as they have been promising?
2. Will other nations that were supporting Talibans as a proxy war against America agree to the modus operandi of the new regime?
3. Did America strike a secret deal with the Talibans to take over since their democratic government isn’t working out after all they started the war wen they supported the rebels against Afghanistan government, ab initio?
4. How will America and Americans respond to these 20 years of “waste and shadow chasing” or “lost war”?
5. Will other nations recognize the Taliban Government in Afghanistan?
Then, what are the lessons for Nigeria?
1. Corruption kills… Afghans began to lose hope with the Corrupt government that led to collapse of the system in favour of the rebels not minding the hardship they are being subjected to!
2. Patriotism pays… Afghans lack that and that’s why their Military that’s 3 times more than that of Nigeria couldn’t defend a country of about 40m people with all the support from Americans allied forces!
3. Appreciation matters… We must respect our soldiers for over running Boko Haram, ISIS and other militants trying to put over 200m Nigerians in Afghan condition
Why do you think?
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Digi-Priest
