As the third anniversary of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan approaches, it is crucial to examine the profound consequences this event has had on regional security, global stability, and the lives of millions of Afghans. The abrupt pullout of American troops in mid-August 2021 marked the end of a 20-year military presence but left behind a country in turmoil, grappling with humanitarian crises, economic collapse, and a resurgence of terrorism. The situation in Afghanistan today serves as a somber reminder of the enduring impact of international interventions and the urgent need for a coordinated global response to the challenges that persist.

One of the most immediate and devastating consequences of the US withdrawal has been the worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. According to UN humanitarian agencies, 23.7 million Afghans, including 9.2 million children, are in desperate need of assistance. The economic collapse following the Taliban’s takeover has plunged nearly half of the population below the poverty line. Basic necessities like food, clean water, and healthcare are increasingly scarce, exacerbating the suffering of ordinary Afghans.

Women, in particular, have borne the brunt of the Taliban’s return to power. The rollback of women’s rights, including restrictions on education and employment, has erased two decades of progress. Afghan women now face a future marked by uncertainty and oppression, with little recourse for justice or support. The Western world’s failure to protect these women casts a long shadow over its........

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