The American War in Afghanistan

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This comprehensive history of America's longest war offers an authoritative account of the conflict in Afghanistan, which began in 2001 and has lasted nearly two decades. As American troops prepare to leave, Carter Malkasian, a leading scholar and practitioner, draws on his extensive experience in the Afghan countryside and his role as senior advisor to General Joseph Dunford. Malkasian’s deep understanding of local dynamics, Pashto language, and primary sources allows him to navigate the war's various phases, from the initial invasion to the Taliban's resurgence, the Obama-era surge, and the peace talks from 2018 to 2020. His personal experiences provide a unique perspective on the war's evolution. Today, the Taliban stands as a powerful faction, with an uncertain future following America's withdrawal. Despite the elimination of Osama bin Laden and the absence of major attacks on U.S. soil post-2001, the U.S. struggled to end the violence or transition control to Afghan authorities, who remain dependent on American military support. This work elucidates the reasons behind the war's disappointing outcomes, presenting a vivid and all-encompassing portrait of the conflict that will serve as an essential reference for years to come.