Sat Feb 22 11:42:13 UTC 2025: ## New Book Offers Scathing Critique of US Involvement in Afghanistan

**Kabul, Afghanistan –** A new book by Amin Saikal, “How to Lose a War: The Story of America’s Intervention in Afghanistan,” provides a damning assessment of the United States’ two-decade-long war in Afghanistan, arguing that fundamental flaws in the US approach led to the Taliban’s swift victory in 2021. Published by The Lawfare Institute, the book meticulously examines the decisions made in the aftermath of 9/11, tracing the roots of the conflict back further than commonly acknowledged.

Saikal, a renowned scholar of Afghan history, contends that the rushed establishment of a US-backed government in Kabul following the 2001 invasion laid the groundwork for failure. The Bonn Agreement, which hastily installed Hamid Karzai as interim leader, is highlighted as a pivotal misstep. The book argues that a missed opportunity to enlist the support of the widely respected former King Mohammad Zahir Shah significantly undermined the legitimacy of the new Afghan government.

The author further criticizes the flawed decision to implement a presidential system, which fostered centralized authority and exacerbated power struggles. He details the failings of both Karzai and his successor, Ashraf Ghani, highlighting their inability to foster national unity and their reliance on extralegal methods.

Saikal’s account also exposes the lack of a coherent long-term strategy by the US, pointing to mission creep, insufficient resources, and a revolving door of military commanders. The book underscores the devastating impact of civilian casualties caused by US military operations, which fueled anti-American sentiment and strengthened the Taliban.

While acknowledging the complexities of the conflict, Saikal concludes that the US’s failure to understand Afghan history and its hasty, poorly conceived interventions paved the way for the Taliban’s eventual return to power. The book prompts reflection on whether a different outcome was ever truly possible, leaving readers to grapple with the lasting legacy of America’s costly involvement in Afghanistan.

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