Three years ago, on August 30, 2021, the United States completed its hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan, bringing an inglorious end to a 20-year conflict. As the last transport aircraft departed from Kabul International Airport, the echoes of the Afghan war continued to resonate, leaving a trail of destruction and suffering that analysts say is ongoing.
Afghan political analysts, speaking to the state-run China Central Television (CCTV), have highlighted the enduring impact of the war. They argue that the United States’ ill-advised decision to engage in a protracted conflict has led to the loss of lives and property on a massive scale. While the war has formally ended, the scars it has left on the Afghan population remain deeply etched.
The Afghan war has caused immense damage, with many losing their lives and property, said political analyst Sayed. The psychological and physical harm is still very much present.
According to the International Red Cross, the situation in Afghanistan is dire. The organization’s data reveals that over one million Afghans suffer from some form of limb disability. The war has left an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 individuals without limbs, with the physical and psychological impact extending to every aspect of Afghan life.
The mental health toll is equally staggering. Afghan health officials report that half of the population faces severe mental stress, with 20% suffering from some form of mental illness. The war has left a lasting psychological impact, affecting even the youngest members of society.
Every child born in Afghanistan, until they grow up, is affected by the war, both mentally and psychologically, Sayed noted. They have not seen war, but they are carrying the burden of its legacy.
The impact on Afghanistan’s youth is particularly profound. With limited job opportunities, unemployment among young people remains a significant challenge. The war has disrupted the lives of an entire generation, preventing them from planning and achieving their life goals.
Young people who were born 24 or 25 years ago are now 25 years old. They should have been able to plan their lives, but unfortunately, they have become a burden on their families due to the lack of favorable conditions, Sayed explained.
The war has also exposed the true face of American foreign policy, according to the analysts. The United States, they argue, used the banners of human rights and democracy as a cover for its regional hegemony. The freezing of Afghanistan’s central bank assets and the imposition of unilateral sanctions have further weakened the country’s already fragile economy.
We cannot create job opportunities, we cannot circulate capital, and we cannot bring our resources to the global market, Sayed said. The Americans came to Afghanistan with the slogans of peace and democracy, but in reality, they did not come to change and build Afghanistan. They wanted to make Afghanistan a base for NATO and did not want the country to be developed.
The Afghan war, thus, has left a complex and enduring legacy. While the immediate conflict may have ended, the suffering of the Afghan people continues. The challenge now is to address the deep-seated issues that the war has created, from the physical and mental health of the population to the economic and political stability of the country.
As the world marks the third anniversary of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the international community is called upon to support the Afghan people in their quest for peace, stability, and development. The road ahead is long and fraught with challenges, but the resilience of the Afghan people offers hope that they can overcome the legacy of war and build a brighter future.
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