Five years after the fall of Kabul, 'war on terror' ghosts have come home

Five years after the fall of Kabul, echoes of the long-standing "war on terror" have returned to haunt the Western psyche. On August 15, 2021, the last U.S. military aircraft departed from Hamid Karzai International Airport, marking the end of a two-decade-long military presence in Afghanistan. This moment, captured in harrowing footage of civilians scrambling onto departing planes, bore striking similarities to the evacuation scenes from Saigon in 1975, reinforcing a narrative of imperial overreach and strategic miscalculation. Outside the airport, the reality of the situation unfolded differently. Unlike the dramatic depictions of chaos and destruction often portrayed by Western media, the transition of power in Kabul was marked by an unexpected order and tranquility. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan assumed control without the violent upheaval that many had anticipated. For many Afghans, this represented a return to a familiar pattern, resistance against foreign forces culminating in the withdrawal of occupying powers. The experience of leaving Afghanistan in 2001 offers a poignant contrast to the current scenario. Back then, the author fled a country ravaged by Western military operations, including the devastating effects of Tomahawk cruise missiles and B-52 bombings. Now, witnessing the return of stability to a place once subjected to such intense conflict, there's a sense of vindication for those who believed that the resilience of the Afghan people would ultimately prevail over foreign intervention. The recent developments underscore a strategic failure for the West, one that could have been avoided had historical precedents been heeded. The British faced similar challenges during their three invasions of Afghanistan between 1839 and 1919, each ending in retreat and geopolitical embarrassment. Despite these repeated failures, Western powers continue to underestimate the depth of Afghan resistance, driven by a belief in their own superiority. Modern military leaders attempt to reframe the narrative, suggesting that the U.S. was never truly defeated on the battlefield. However, admissions from within the British House of Commons defense committee and former high-ranking officials like General Sir Richard Barrons reveal a more sobering truth, the Taliban emerged victorious, and the Western effort in Afghanistan concluded in comprehensive defeat. The irony lies in how the West has historically viewed resistance movements. During the 1980s, the Afghan mujahideen were celebrated as freedom fighters for their role in dismantling the Soviet Union. Their sacrifices were instrumental in achieving a significant geopolitical shift. However, once their utility to Western interests waned, the narrative surrounding them transformed, reflecting a selective memory that conveniently forgets past alliances. As the dust settles on the departure of foreign troops, the stage is set for a new chapter in Afghanistan's history. Those who once endured the harsh realities of imprisonment and oppression now hold the reins of power, shaping the future of their nation according to their own vision and values. The legacy of the "war on terror" continues to unfold, revealing the complex interplay between resistance, occupation, and the enduring quest for self-determination in a region steeped in history and struggle.