What Is the Longest War in American History?

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The United States of America has been involved in numerous wars throughout its history. However, one war stands out as the longest war in American history – the War in Afghanistan. This ongoing conflict began on October 7th, 2001, and as of 2021, it has been ongoing for almost 20 years.

Background

The War in Afghanistan was a direct response to the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. The United States government held the Taliban regime responsible for harboring and supporting al-Qaeda terrorists who carried out the attacks. Thus, the US-led a military invasion to overthrow the Taliban government and capture or kill al-Qaeda leaders.

The Initial Years

The initial phase of the war saw swift victories for the US-led coalition forces. The Taliban regime was quickly ousted from power, and al-Qaeda leaders were either killed or captured. However, soon after that, things started to get complicated.

The Insurgency

The Taliban did not give up after their defeat and instead resorted to guerrilla warfare tactics to fight back against coalition forces. They regrouped in neighboring Pakistan and launched a sustained insurgency that continues to this day.

International Involvement

The War in Afghanistan is not just an American war but rather an international conflict involving NATO allies and other coalition partners. Over time, several countries have contributed troops to fight against the Taliban insurgency.

The Human Cost

The War in Afghanistan has come at a significant human cost. According to estimates by Brown University’s Costs of War project, over 170,000 people have died as a direct result of the conflict since 2001. This includes more than 43,000 Afghan civilians and roughly 2,400 American military personnel.

The Financial Cost

Besides the human toll, the War in Afghanistan has also been incredibly expensive. The US government has spent over $2 trillion on the conflict, with no end in sight.

The Current Situation

As of 2021, the War in Afghanistan continues. Despite several attempts at peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban, violence persists. In early 2021, President Joe Biden announced that all American troops would be withdrawn from Afghanistan by September 11th, 2021, effectively ending America’s longest war.

The Future of Afghanistan

The future of Afghanistan remains unclear. The Taliban continues to hold significant influence in the country and has not shown any willingness to compromise or negotiate a peace deal. As American forces withdraw, it is uncertain whether the Afghan government can maintain control over its territory and prevent a complete Taliban takeover.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the War in Afghanistan is America’s longest war and has been ongoing for almost two decades. It has come at a significant human and financial cost and remains an ongoing conflict with no clear end in sight. As American forces withdraw from the country, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Afghanistan and its people.

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