The War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) by Micah Roebuck _ Student - GreenLevelHS

9/11 Attacks (September 11th, 2001)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-24 15:38:26 UTC

Members of Al-Qaeda hijack 4 American planes, directly causing the death of about 3,000 innocent civilians. Two of the planes crashed into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and one into a field in Shanksville, PA. The fourth was headed for the White House, but passengers and flight crew members fought back.

AUMF Passed (September 14th, 2001)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:01:47 UTC

The 2001 AUMF gave the president permission to take appropriate measures to bring down those responsible for 9/11. This authorization of force, which is not a formal declaration of war, was used to justify several controversial steps in the war effort (Guantanamo Bay detentions, surveillence efforts, Trump's Syria strikes, etc).

Operation Enduring Freedom Begins (October 7th, 2001)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:25:33 UTC

OEF began when the US launched military operations in Afghanistan. This early phase of the war comprised of US airstrikes on Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, as well as assistance from Afghan fighters (including the Northern Alliance).

Near Capture of bin Laden (December, 2001)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:27:34 UTC

US intelligence traced bin Laden to the mountenous region of Tora Bora. During the battle, the US came very close to capturing bin Laden but he escaped into Pakistan at night.

Interim Government Installed (December 5, 2001)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:31:50 UTC

Afghan factions sign the Bonn Agreement, making Hamid Karzai the leader of the Interim Administration. Shortly after being installed as Chairman of the Interim Administration, he is elected to be head of the country’s transitional government.

Fall of Kabul - Taliban Abandon the City (November, 2001)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:33:24 UTC

The Northern Alliance entered Kabul and with the help of the US, flushed the Taliban out of the city. The city's capture took place about 1 month after the US (with British support) began its airstrikes in Afghanistan.

Focus shifts to Iraq (March, 2002)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:40:48 UTC

Bush expressed concern about Saddam Hussein's possesion of weapons of mass destruction. Bush started sending troops to Iraq to address this additional terrorist threat.

Constitutional Loya Jirga Adopts Afghanistan's Constitution (January 4th, 2004)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:46:16 UTC

Afghanistan's adoption of a constitution was a big step towards democracy and stabilty for the nation. The document commits to protecting the basic human rights of Afghans, and pledges to fight terrorism.

US Commitment is Refreshed and Afghanization Talks Pick Up (May, 2005)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:48:38 UTC

During a visit from Karzai at the White House, Bush claims "democracy is flourishing" and that the US is still committed to helping Afghanistan stablize. Both leaders express having the goal of equiping Afghan fighters with the right tools so that Afghanistan can defend itself.

Insurgency Returns (July, 2006)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:50:45 UTC

Suicide bombings, roadside IEDs, and the destruction of facilities built by international aid agencies were parts of the Taliban's attempt to destabilize the Afghan government and take back some control. The Taliban were inspired by tactics used in the Iraq insurgency, and seizing the opportunity with the US's attention on Iraq, the Taliban regrouped and began attacking more forcefully.

Afghan Surge Directed by Obama (December, 2009)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:51:12 UTC

Obama decided to send 30,000 troops to Afghanistan to target the insurgency and to protect civilians. He said after 18 months, the troops would return home. The surge was supposed to help Obama achieve his goals of denying Al-Qaeda sanctuary in Afghanistan, reversing Taliban momentum, and strengthening Afghanistan's ability to protect and rule itself.

Bin Laden Assassinated (May 1st, 2011)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:52:03 UTC

US intelligence identified bin Laden's hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan. After approval from President Obama and other top officials, Operation Neptune Spear was able to commence. Osama was shot in the head, and Obama was informed of the mission's success.

Responsibility Shifts to Afghan Forces (June, 2013)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:53:12 UTC

Karzai told Afghan and NATO officials that Afghan "security and defence forces will now be in the lead." This seemed like good news for American and NATO troops, but it was clear that the Afghan government was not really ready to take on a more active role in defending the country from the Taliban. Military officials warned that land gains would be lost if withdrawal were done too quickly.

Taliban Retaliates Against US Escalation (January, 2018)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:55:37 UTC

To prevent a power vacuum, Trump amps up US attacks against the Taliban, which frustrates the terrorists. As Trump deploys more troops and as more airstrikes are launched, the Taliban repeatedly attack Kabul.

Complete Withdrawal Directed by Biden (April 14th, 2021)

mmroebuck — 2026-04-28 00:58:25 UTC

Both the Trump and Biden administrations are responsible for the final withdrawal of American troops. In February 2020, Trump's administration signed the Doha agreement, requiring the US to leave Afghanistan by May 1st, 2021, under the conditions that the Taliban refrain from attacking US troops and that the Taliban prevent Al-Qaeda from operating in Afghanistan with the intent to threaten the US or its allies. Trump reduced troops, and when it became Biden's responsibility to finish the job, it was very hectic, and hundreds of lives were lost. The Taliban took over shortly after the US left.