KABUL: On August 31, 2021, Chris Donahue, the last American soldier, exited Afghanistan, marking the end of a 20-year foreign military presence in the country. This withdrawal was a key component of the Doha Agreement, which stipulated the complete removal of foreign troops, including American forces.
The military exit played a crucial role in the Taliban’s swift takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. By August 15, 2021, the Taliban had captured Kabul, leading to the establishment of a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
Until August 15, 2021, not all foreign troops had left Afghanistan. Some, including American soldiers, were engaged in evacuating embassy staff, a process that continued until August 31.
With Chris Donahue’s departure, the formal end of the foreign military presence in Afghanistan was achieved. This milestone represents the conclusion of a significant chapter in the nation’s history. The impact of this withdrawal is still unfolding, influencing both Afghanistan’s future and global perspectives on the two-decade-long international involvement in the country.
