Afghan Scholars' Response to Perspectives on the Afghanistan War: Arrogant Conquest; Disgraceful Withdrawal.

This article critically examines the U.S. and NATO military intervention in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021, emphasizing the historical resilience of the Afghan nation against foreign invasions and the failure of Western powers to understand Afghanistan’s unique social, cultural, and political dynamics. It argues that the U.S.-led coalition’s reliance on military strategies, disregard for diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, and repeated civilian casualties contributed significantly to their defeat. The article highlights Pakistan’s covert support for the Taliban, the moral and religious motivations underpinning Taliban resistance, and the shortcomings of the Afghan National Security Forces dependent on Western support. Ultimately, it concludes that ignoring Afghanistan’s history and societal context led to a costly and futile war, suggesting that diplomatic approaches might have prevented prolonged conflict and suffering.