What all was left behind in Afghanistan is a haunting reminder of the rapid and chaotic withdrawal of international forces from the war-torn nation. As the last American soldiers departed in August 2021, they left behind a landscape of abandoned infrastructure, shattered lives, and a country in disarray. This article explores the various aspects of what was left behind, highlighting the consequences for both the Afghan people and the international community.
The withdrawal of international forces left a significant void in Afghanistan’s security landscape. With the departure of the NATO-led coalition, the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) were left to defend the country against a resurgent Taliban. The Afghan military, which had been trained and equipped by international forces for nearly two decades, was ill-prepared to face the daunting task of maintaining stability in the face of a resurgent Taliban. The result was a rapid loss of territory and a resurgence of the Taliban, which has since taken control of much of the country.
Infrastructure, once a symbol of progress and development, now lies in ruins. Schools, hospitals, and government buildings that were constructed with international funding have been looted, damaged, or abandoned. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that more than 2,000 schools were damaged or destroyed in the first six months after the withdrawal, leaving millions of children without access to education. The loss of these institutions has had a devastating impact on the Afghan population, particularly the most vulnerable groups such as women and children.
The economy of Afghanistan has also suffered greatly as a result of the withdrawal. The international community had been the primary source of funding for the Afghan government, and with the cutoff of aid, the government has struggled to maintain basic services. The Afghan currency, the afghani, has plummeted in value, leading to hyperinflation and widespread poverty. The World Bank estimates that the poverty rate in Afghanistan has doubled since the withdrawal, affecting an estimated 23 million people.
Moreover, the withdrawal has had a profound impact on the international community, particularly the United States. The chaotic evacuation of American citizens and Afghan allies, which resulted in the tragic death of 13 U.S. service members and hundreds of Afghan civilians, has left a lasting scar on the nation’s conscience. The images of desperate Afghans clambering onto military aircraft and the bodies of those who fell from the planes have become enduring symbols of the failed withdrawal.
The cultural heritage of Afghanistan has also suffered as a result of the withdrawal. Museums, libraries, and historical sites that were once protected by international forces have been targeted by looters and militants. The National Museum of Afghanistan, which housed thousands of artifacts from the country’s rich history, has reported that many of its treasures have been stolen or destroyed. The loss of these cultural assets is a tragic blow to the Afghan people and the world at large.
In conclusion, what all was left behind in Afghanistan is a complex tapestry of destruction, despair, and loss. The rapid withdrawal of international forces has left the country in a state of disarray, with its people facing immense challenges in the years to come. The international community must continue to support Afghanistan in its efforts to rebuild and restore stability, while also learning from the lessons of the chaotic withdrawal to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.
