Relations between the United States and Afghanistan have always been tumultuous since long before 9/11. But recent events have brought to light the seriousness of the situation. 

US involvement in Afghanistan dates back to the Cold War. Both the United States and the Soviet Union had investments in infrastructure building in Afghanistan. Then in the 1970s, as the Afghan government began to favor the Soviets more and more, the United States fed money to some resistance groups. From the ashes of the Soviet withdrawal, a civil war emerged from which the Taliban rose. 

On September 11th, 2001, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked by Al Qaeda. Soon after, the United States ostensibly invaded Afghanistan to exact justice against Osama bin Laden, but many saw it as a reason to extend American influences on the country.

However, in more recent developments announced by President Biden, it was announced that the United States was withdrawing all troops in Afghanistan, effectively ending a twenty year war. On August 30, 2021, the last soldier in Afghanistan was extracted. Then, the Taliban regained control of the region. Last month, the Taliban announced an interim government. While the Taliban now claim they are a new version of the group, it is far too soon to know what the future of Afghanistan holds.