Kabul: Final Call: The inside story of the withdrawal from Afghanistan August 2021

The Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021 marked the end of a 20-year effort by the US, UK, and their allies to build a modern democratic society in Afghanistan. This book tells the inside story of the last days of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, including the political intrigues among the Afghan elite, the chaos of the evacuation, and the quiet heroism of British soldiers and civilians who brought over 15,000 vulnerable Afghans to safety. The disaster in Afghanistan continues to have a human cost, particularly for Afghan women and girls, and the families of soldiers who gave their lives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 19 April 2024
Publisher: Whittles Publishing

On August 15, 2021, the world witnessed a harrowing event as Kabul fell into the hands of the Taliban, marking a momentous turn of events that occurred nearly two decades after the overthrow of the Taliban government by Western-backed Afghan forces in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Over these past 20 years, the United States, the United Kingdom, and their allies have dedicated significant resources to establishing a modern democratic society in Afghanistan, alongside waging a counter-insurgency war and combating the threat of al-Qaeda terrorism. This campaign has resulted in the loss of countless lives, including the lives of 457 British soldiers, 2,402 United States soldiers, and countless Afghan soldiers and civilians. For years, Afghanistan held a prominent position in the UK's defense and foreign policy agenda, leading to substantial investments of tens of billions of pounds in military operations and aid. The United States, on the other hand, allocated trillions of dollars to support this endeavor. However, in a matter of weeks, all these efforts seemingly came to naught, leaving a profound sense of disbelief and frustration.

This book, authored by the last British Ambassador to Afghanistan, provides a candid and unflinching account of the final days of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. It delves into the impending collapse of Afghanistan as Western military forces withdrew, offering a no-holds-barred insight into the political intrigues among the Afghan elite and the indifference of Western politicians who viewed Afghanistan as a no-win quagmire. The book vividly describes the chaotic evacuation from Kabul, highlighting the bravery and resilience of British soldiers and civilians who managed to evacuate over 15,000 vulnerable Afghans to safety, despite insurmountable odds, within a span of under two weeks.

While Afghanistan may no longer dominate the headlines, the people of Afghanistan continue to bear the consequences of this failure, particularly Afghan women and girls, who face ongoing discrimination and oppression. The families of the soldiers, including those from Afghanistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, who sacrificed their lives, as well as those who have suffered physical and mental injuries, also bear the weight of this tragedy.

It is essential to recognize that the situation in Afghanistan is complex and multifaceted, and there is no simple solution to the challenges it faces. However, it is crucial that the international community continues to support Afghanistan in its efforts to rebuild, promote democracy, and address the underlying social and economic issues that contribute to its instability. This requires a sustained commitment to diplomacy, development, and humanitarian aid, as well as a willingness to address the political and security concerns that have contributed to the country's protracted crisis.

In conclusion, the fall of Kabul on August 15, 2021, serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges of nation-building and counter-terrorism efforts. It highlights the sacrifices made by countless individuals and the importance of sustained international support in addressing the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. By working together, we can help build a brighter future for the people of Afghanistan and contribute to the broader stability and security of the region.

Weight: 608g
Dimension: 241 x 163 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849955812