The Last Days of the Afghan Republic: A Doomed Evacuation Twenty Years in the Making

The Last Days of the Afghan Republic is a powerful and important book that provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the fall of the Afghan government and the subsequent evacuation of U.S. personnel from Afghanistan. It sheds light on the complex web of relationships between the United States, Afghanistan, and other international actors, and highlights the devastating impact of the U.S. withdrawal on the country and its people.
The Last Days of the Afghan Republic is a powerful and important book that provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the fall of the Afghan government and the subsequent evacuation of U.S. personnel from Afghanistan. It sheds light on the complex web of relationships between the United States, Afghanistan, and other international actors, and highlights the devastating impact of the U.S. withdrawal on the country and its people.

Format: Hardback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The chaos that unfolded in Afghanistan in August 2021 was a devastating period for many individuals, particularly those who lived in Kabul and had close ties with the international community. In a matter of days, an insurgency led to the overthrow of a government that had received significant support from the international community over a span of 20 years, with tens of billions of dollars invested. This government, which had pledged to uphold women's rights, education, and various other ideals, was replaced by one that prohibited girls from attending secondary school. Moreover, a university constructed by the American government at a substantial cost of hundreds of millions of dollars was now being utilized to shelter members of militias backing the Haqqani network, a criminal, tribal group that had provided support for the Taliban's return and carried out numerous brutal attacks over the past two decades.

In place of President Ashraf Ghani, a former professor at John Hopkins, Mullah Mohammad Hasan, who had received education in Islamic seminaries and played a key role in Taliban recruitment, assumed the presidency. As Afghans, Americans, and a significant portion of the global community watched in horror for two weeks in August, scenes of chaos unfolded before their eyes. Crowds surged towards the airport, bodies fell from planes, a suicide bomber struck civilians and soldiers, and a baby was handed over to a Marine through a barbed wire wall. The sheer agony of lives so tragically lost, as people desperately tried to flee their homeland with little to nothing, felt like images reminiscent of natural disasters. However, it is important to recognize that this crisis was not inevitable. It was entirely preventable.

The Last Days of the Afghan Republic, a blend of memoir and history, offers a poignant account of this tumultuous period through the experiences of a doctor, a student, a translator, and a researcher. One of these Afghans managed to escape before the evacuation, one was part of the evacuation efforts, one successfully escaped the country, and one remained trapped within Afghanistan during the collapse. Their stories, woven together, provide a firsthand glimpse into the depths of despair and resilience that characterized those caught in the midst of the unfolding crisis.

The book sheds light on the complex web of factors that contributed to the collapse of the Afghan government and the rise of the Taliban. It highlights the failure of the international community, including the United States, to effectively address the underlying issues that fueled the insurgency. The author critiques the decision to prioritize military intervention over political and economic development, which ultimately led to the marginalization of local communities and the empowerment of extremist groups.

Furthermore, The Last Days of the Afghan Republic delves into the devastating impact of the crisis on the Afghan people. It portrays the struggles and sacrifices made by those who tried to escape the country, as well as the trauma experienced by those who remained behind. The book also sheds light on the human rights abuses and violations that occurred during the Taliban's rule period, including the systematic oppression of women, minorities, and political dissidents.

The book offers a sobering reminder of the consequences of neglecting the complex dynamics of international relations and the importance of promoting sustainable development, human rights, and democracy. It serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the Afghan people, who have faced numerous challenges throughout their history but have always managed to find a way forward.

In conclusion, The Last Days of the Afghan Republic is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of the Afghan crisis and the broader implications of the collapse of the Afghan government. It provides a poignant account of the experiences of individuals caught in the midst of the chaos, shedding light on the human rights abuses and violations that occurred during the Taliban's rule. The book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of promoting sustainable development, human rights, and democracy, and the devastating consequences of neglecting these values.

Weight: 531g
Dimension: 230 x 158 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538178089