The unwinnable war in Afghanistan

The well-known idiom “You will reap what you sow” is a proverb that talks much about future consequences which are inevitably shaped by present actions. From the Collins Dictionary, the phrase “You will reap what you sow” means that everything that happens is as a result of things which you have done in the past. Those who love to fan the embers of disunity in the society must beware because they will reap what they sow.

Twenty years ago, America made a decision to take the battle to Afghanistan to fight the Taliban. After two decades of American and coalition forces in Afghanistan, the Taliban is now in charge. The war against the Taliban was lost. But we have not seen the end of the chaos in Afghanistan particularly with respect to the humanitarian crisis unless the US and its allies take control of the situation.

Now, the Taliban has been regained control, 20 years after America has expended huge resources and shed the blood of its citizens in another country with little gains. What a pity? During the 20 years of war in Afghanistan, America sent its finest young men and women, invested trillions of US dollars, trained numerous Afghan soldiers and police, equipped them with state-of-the-art military equipment including twenty or more A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, and maintained their air force as part of a longest war in US history.

Read Also: Who is to blame for Afghanistan? It’s the Afghans

These resources and sophisticated defence equipment did not win the war against the Taliban. The human factor cannot be ignored in any war. But one or five more years, according to President Joe Biden, would not have made a difference if the Afghan military cannot or will not hold its own country. America wants Afghans to take their destiny in their own hands. The questions analysts are asking is as follows: If this many resources were provided and the Afghan military fell in about ten days, was there any training? Or, was it about military contractors and corporations making huge profits from the chaos in Afghanistan?

Those who have been following events in Afghanistan knew that there was staggering corruption, both financial and moral, that characterized the USA’s endeavor in Afghanistan. Military scholars knew that victories won in territories by American soldiers were not sustained as soon as the troops exited the theater of war. Remember America in Iraq? That is the nature of war. Do not pray for war! The certainty at which belligerent parties plunge into war eventually recedes, leaving those prosecutors to battle against the stark realities of the war. This perhaps explains why Felix De Weldon, an Austrian – born American sculptor is of the view that: If wars are construed in the hearts of men, it is in the hearts of men that the defenses of peace would have to be construed.

Conspiracy theories. There are unconfirmed reports that as the US stayed in Afghanistan, it looked like America made a deal with the Taliban and, as a result, the Taliban was desperately not attacking US and coalition forces. For the Afghans themselves, the war was intensifying. With the sophisticated military equipment at the disposal of the Afghan forces, there was no motivation to fight the Taliban. There are eminent military scholars and analysts who equally believe that the government forces were not getting enough supplies from their leaders.

The drawdown of the US and coalition forces from Afghanistan has been poorly planned and executed. This can be seen on television sets displaying the traumatic pictures of Afghans clinging to the US military airplane in a desperate attempt to escape the Taliban. But observers worldwide were asking if the Pentagon and the White House misread intelligence reports about the imminent collapse of the Afghan government and Armed forces? Or did President Joe Biden simply ignore the evidence in his zeal to end a military misadventure and reap a political win? Whatever views expressed by those who are for or against the drawdown of the US and coalition troops from Afghanistan, President Joe Biden has this to say: “I am the President of the United States of America. The buck stops with me.” Period.

But is there any elegant way to lose a war? Not to my knowledge especially when the military and political objectives of the war are not known. America can no longer pay the bills for the war. It was not about nation building nor was it about restoring democracy in Afghanistan. It was about al – Qaeda and its elements of evil. Al – Qaeda have been wrecked. But what was the Taliban fighting for? I read that the Taliban fought for belief, for heaven, and killing infidels… while the police and army fought for money. If the Taliban were willing to lose their heads fighting, how can the army and police compete?

As the world watches the tragedy unfolding in Afghanistan, are there any lessons for Nigeria? Yes, there are many lessons for Nigeria: We should find ways and means to eliminate corruption in the society. Nigerians should learn to take their destiny in their own hands. We should not be expecting other nations to fight our battles for us. Let us not be deluded into thinking that the US Africa Command currently in Stuttgart will relocate to Africa because Africans cannot put their own continent in order. The government, particularly the political leadership, the military, and the people of Nigeria must unite and be truthful to themselves in the fight against terrorists and bandits. Political leaders should take responsibility for their actions and solve national problems while in office, and not transfer these challenges to future generations. Thank you.