A somber anniversary was marked in Afghanistan a few days ago as the Taliban celebrated the fifth anniversary of its return to power.

On August 15, 2021, following a costly two-decade war that achieved nothing of lasting value, the United States and its allies unilaterally withdrew their troops from that war-torn country.

The ultimate futility of the US’ 20-year military campaign in Afghanistan was perfectly illustrated by the chaotic withdrawal from Kabul airport. Afghan men and women desperate to leave the country besieged the airport, hoping to secure a place aboard an outbound US aircraft.

Still other Afghans, mostly young men, clung precariously to an airplane as it took off. A few who managed to hang on for dear life fell to their deaths moments later.

Shortly after their takeover, the Taliban pledged that women would be allowed access to education, employment and public spaces. Under the previous American-sponsored Afghan government, women were granted equal rights across the board.

As might have been expected, the Taliban’s promise was absolutely worthless. Within weeks, the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban administration imposed a ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade. And........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)