The Legacy of America's Withdrawal from Afghanistan: A Look Back at the Fallout
As the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks is remembered in the United States, CBS News revisits Afghanistan, where the war triggered by those attacks concluded five years ago with the Taliban's resurgence to power. Following the withdrawal of U.S. and allied troops after a two-decade conflict, the Taliban fighters now patrol Kabul's streets in American military vehicles, wearing U.S. tactical gear and carrying American weapons. The remnants of America's longest war are still visible in the form of military hardware left behind by the Afghan forces, including armored vehicles and weaponry supplied by the U.S.
Former President Trump has criticized the Biden administration for what he perceives as mishandling the withdrawal, accusing them of abandoning billions of dollars' worth of military equipment. Despite Trump's demands for the return of the hardware, the Taliban proudly displays its American-funded arsenal, showcasing their military strength through parades in Kabul. Pentagon data indicates that around $7 billion in hardware and weapons fell into the hands of the Taliban when the Afghan National Army collapsed post-withdrawal.
The Taliban's transformation from insurgents to a state military force armed with American-funded firepower has raised concerns among critics of the Biden administration's withdrawal strategy. The Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law has led to severe restrictions on the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, with life under their rule becoming increasingly oppressive. President Biden defended the decision to end U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for Afghan forces to take responsibility for their own security.
In 2023, the Biden administration released a summary of a classified review of the Afghanistan exit, attributing blame to the Trump administration for the deal struck with the Taliban for the withdrawal of U.S. forces. The Doha Agreement, negotiated during the Trump administration, set conditions for the Taliban's compliance in exchange for the U.S. troop withdrawal. Both the Trump and Biden administrations were criticized for inadequate planning surrounding the withdrawal, as highlighted in a partially declassified report released by the State Department.