What 20 years (and counting) of the war on terror must teach us
Given the experience in Afghanistan, it’s clearer than ever the global war on terror has been an unmitigated humanitarian and strategic disaster.
No, Mr. President, we haven't turned the page on war
Ultimately, Congress will need to repeal the law that allows these endless and ever-expanding wars: the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force.
Four Ways FCNL is Standing in Solidarity with the Afghan People
Our hearts are heavy with the terrible events unfolding in Afghanistan. We grieve as we witness the devastating effects of U.S. military intervention, and we continue to urge immediate action to support refugee resettlement and humanitarian relief on the ground.
Holding Afghanistan in the Light
We call for the U.S. government to immediately welcome Afghans who are fleeing the country. We also call on our government acknowledge the harm it has caused, and use any remaining diplomatic leverage it may have to support multilateral violence-reduction efforts.
Creating a Durable Peace in Afghanistan
For 20 years, it has been abundantly clear that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
FCNL has provided our responses to commonly raised questions regarding military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Military Withdrawal Marks a Fundamental Shift in U.S. Strategy on Afghanistan
On April 14, our persistence paid off when President Joe Biden formally announced his decision to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
Ending the U.S. War in Afghanistan Is An Important Step Toward Peace
Ending the U.S. war in Afghanistan and promoting multilateral diplomacy is an important step toward a more peaceful world. President Biden knows this, and we commend his leadership.
Oppose Militarized Counterterrorism in Afghanistan
The idea that it is necessary to maintain residual forces in Afghanistan to conduct counterterrorism operations is based on the flawed premise that “terrorism” must be fought and can be defeated militarily.
Support Long-term Afghan-led Solutions
Afghanistan still depends upon foreign assistance for its survival. Even Taliban leadership has acknowledged that Afghanistan will require international development aid moving forward.
Interestingly, it was not the withdrawal of Soviet troops but the cessation of Soviet aid that led to the dissolution of then-President Mohammed Najibullah’s regime.1
