US reliance on Afghan militias aided Taliban's rise to power: NYT
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Kunduz, once supportive of US efforts, became a hub of insurgent activity and was the first region to fall to the Taliban during the US withdrawal in 2021.
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Taliban fighters stand guard during the funeral prayers of Khalil Haqqani, the minister for refugees and repatriation, during his funeral procession in eastern Paktia province, Afghanistan, Thursday, December 12, 2024. (AP)
The New York Times on Tuesday reported that US reliance on local militias in northern Afghanistan over a decade ago inadvertently paved the way for the Taliban's resurgence and eventual takeover.
The investigation revealed that US forces began recruiting, training, and funding militia groups in Kunduz province in 2009 as part of their strategy to counter the Taliban.
However, these militias allegedly harassed and alienated the local population, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and a shift in allegiance toward the Taliban.
Kunduz, once supportive of US efforts, became a hub of insurgent activity and was the first region to fall to the Taliban during the US withdrawal in 2021.
The report also highlighted a 2009 US embassy cable warning about the unchecked power of militias, including one leader, Mohammad Omar, whom the US had ironically helped empower.
Read more: Russia intends to remove the Taliban from blacklist: Shoigu
After Ashraf Ghani became Afghanistan's president in 2014, he pledged to control private armed groups. However, the Taliban capitalized on growing rifts within the militias and discontent with the government.
Facing increasing instability, Ghani's administration shifted tactics, secretly allocating over $100,000 monthly to militia groups in Kunduz to maintain order.
Afghanistan's fate
The US withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, ending its 20-year military presence. This decision, initiated by the Doha Agreement in 2020, was upheld by President Biden upon taking office.
The withdrawal was motivated by the recognition that the conflict was unwinnable and by domestic pressure to focus on other priorities.
Despite years of "nation-building," the Afghan government and military quickly collapsed, allowing the Taliban to reclaim power in a matter of weeks.
The withdrawal turned chaotic, culminating in a frantic evacuation at Kabul Airport, where a terrorist attack killed 13 US troops and 170 Afghans.
Today, the Taliban-run government faces significant challenges, including international isolation, economic instability, and widespread humanitarian crises.
In recent years, however, Russia and China have increased their engagement with the Taliban-run government, aiming to expand their influence and alleviate the human suffering caused by international sanctions.
Read more: China ends Taliban's foreign diplomatic impasse, assigns ambassador
