Exclusive Interview – Three years ago today, the Taliban marched into Kabul, American troops were leaving Afghanistan, and the American-backed government collapsed. This moment marked a shocking and humiliating end to the 20-year American mission that began after the September 11, 2001, attacks, and the return to power of the extremist group that initially ruled Afghanistan in the years before September 11. The Taliban rule was characterized by some of the world’s harshest policies on women and education, and by protecting Osama bin Laden and his men who planned the September 11 attacks.
The US military invaded Afghanistan and quickly removed the Taliban from power. Nearly two decades later, when the US announced its withdrawal plan, the Taliban began to annihilate Afghan cities, culminating in the capture of Kabul on August 15, 2021.
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