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Editorial

America ends 20 years of war in Afghanistan

Uncertainty looms over the future of Afghan people


Bangladeshpost
Published : 01 Sep 2021 09:45 PM | Updated : 02 Sep 2021 12:09 AM

With the departure of the last of its troops, the United States ended its 20 years of war in Afghanistan, the longest war in American history. All eyes will now turn to how the Taliban handle their first few days with sole authority over the country, with a sharp focus on whether they will allow free departure for those wanting to leave -- including some foreigners.

The day after the US military withdrawal, the US President Joe Biden mounted a fierce defense of his exit from Afghanistan as the “best decision for America”. On the same day, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres warned of a looming “humanitarian catastrophe” in Afghanistan as he urged countries to provide emergency funding following the departure of US forces. 

The primary front of the “War on Terror” declared after the 9/11 attacks that killed around 3,000 people in the US and the then US President George W Bush launched "Operation Enduring Freedom" in Afghanistan on October 7 in 2001. The ruling Islamist Taliban had been sheltering Osama bin Laden and his Al-Qaeda movement, which carried out the 9/11 attacks. The operation opens a military front in the US "war on terror" and within weeks, US-led forces overthrow the Taliban, in power since 1996.

International community should extend all-out

 support and financial help to Afghans

Bangladesh has already made its stand clear. The country is carefully observing the overall situation in Afghanistan. Bangladesh will welcome the new government in Afghanistan if it is supported by its people. Bangladesh believes in friendship to all countries and it will extend support if any government seeks support from Bangladesh.

However, a dark cloud of uncertainty has already started hanging over Afghanistan as the country’s common people will have struggle to lead their daily lives in an economy that, fueled by US aid for the previous generation, is now suddenly in free fall. Besides, many Afghans remain fearful of them or further instability, and there have been sporadic reports of killings and other abuses in areas under Taliban control despite pledges to restore peace and security.

We express grave concern over the future and security of Afghans. Therefore, international community must come forward and extend all-out support and financial help to them.