Anthony H. Cordesman: Learning the Right Lessons from the Afghan War. Washington, D.C.: CSIS, September 2021

Changing strategy and foreign policy of the United States regarding Afghanistan and the new interim government of the Taliban

“…America has no choice but to balance China, except that the leaders of this country think the best thinking framework (Dehshiar, 2008, p. 9). Afghanistan is included in the failure and withdrawal of America from that country (Perić, 2022). Both liberals and conservatives have criticized the war in Afghanistan and painted an unpleasant future for America, and although they give completely different reasons, they reach the same conclusion.…”

“…In addition to the unspecified foreign financial and economic aid of countries such as Pakistan to the Taliban, their other sources of income, including the sale of narcotics, access to mines and trade, can be measured as one of the most significant factors. The cast of America pointed out against the Taliban (Perić, 2022). America imagined that by using military force, it can give Afghanistan the root of terrorism, and a victory in Afghanistan will mean the defeat of terrorism, which is considered the biggest enemy of America.The only factor that gave global legitimacy to America's presence in Afghanistan was the fight against terrorism, which aggressive realism formed the basis of America's foreign policy in the Middle East, especially Afghanistan.…”

“…It is not logical to have thousands of forces in one country at a cost of billions per year. We cannot continue the cycle or expansion of our military presence in Afghanistan, hoping to create ideal conditions for withdrawal, and expect a different result (Perić, 2022). America's direct presence in Afghanistan was very expensive, financially and in terms of security risks for American personnel.…”

“…It has been humiliated in Afghanistan, so the time has come to end this war forever." So they left Afghanistan (Perić, 2022). The United States' foreign policy, after realizing the danger of communism's penetration in Afghanistan, has paid special attention to that country, which supported the Afghan Mujahideen during the Soviet attack on Afghanistan, so that it could advance its goals and policies.…”

“…(Mahmoudi, 2020, p. 220). The Taliban fought to regain power in Afghanistan using methods similar to irregular wars that are characteristic of many other revolutionary and insurgent movements (Perić, 2022).…”