On August 15, An Army Disintegrated and Sunshine of the Afghan Nation's Dreams Went Down
The fall of the ANA was not a sudden event but rather the culmination of various factors that plagued its structure for years. Corruption was cancer eating away at the roots of Afghanistan Army
With the sunrise on the sad and dark day of August 15, 2021, the Afghan National Army (ANA) faced a grim reality that would forever alter the course of their nation towards dark days. The darks and echoes of this event, marked by the fall of the ANA, continue to reverberate through history, leaving a lasting impact on Afghanistan and its people. On this occasion of the second anniversary of the Afghan army collapse, I delve into the causes, factors, and aftermath of the ANA's fall, examining the complex interplay of corruption, ethnic tensions, political interference, and the indomitable spirit of the Afghan national army and its people. On August 15, 2021, Afghanistan people witnessed pivotal and dark moments in its history—the collapse of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and the return of the Taliban.
The Tragic Day, August 15, 2021
As the Afghanistan people commemorate and demonstrate against the Taliban on the anniversary of this tragic and dark day of this event of August 15, it is crucial to reflect on the causes, factors, corruption, struggles, and weaknesses of the army against the Taliban, ethnic tensions, casualties, political and external interventionists, and the profound impact on the people, especially women and society in Afghanistan. Furthermore, I want to delve into the reactions of the Afghanistan people during the second memorial on August 15, 2023, as they continue to grapple with the aftermath of the fall of the ANA.
On August 15, 2021, Afghanistan was thrust into chaos as the Taliban launched a swift and relentless offensive against the Afghan National Army. The ANA, established with the international community's support, symbolized hope and stability for the Afghanistan people. However, a confluence of factors and events led to its eventual collapse, resulting in a devastating blow to the Afghanistan nation—causes and Factors Leading to the Fall of the ANA. The fall of the Afghan National Army can be attributed to a combination of causes and factors that weakened the institution over time. These factors include:
The Complex Tapestry of Causes
The fall of the ANA was not a sudden event but rather the culmination of various factors that plagued its structure for years. Corruption was cancer eating away at the roots of the Afghan national army. Rampant embezzlement and bribery not only eroded the army's morale but also compromised the supply chains, leaving soldiers without proper equipment, training, and motivation in the war fields. Such corruption sowed the seeds of mistrust among Afghanistan's national army and security forces, weakening the ANA's collective resolve against the coming Taliban in Afghanistan.
Struggle Against the Tide
The ANA faced an arduous battle against the Taliban in recent years. Despite international support, it struggled to establish a cohesive fighting force capable of countering the guerrilla tactics employed by the insurgents. But all these efforts suddenly collapsed on August 15, 2021. Also, the weak leadership and a lack of coordination hindered the army's ability to effectively respond to the Taliban's advances in Afghanistan's military history. This struggle exposed the underlying fragility of the ANA, making it susceptible to the relentless onslaught by the Afghan Pashtun Taliban and Pakistani insurgents in this territory.
Ethnic Tensions and Divisions
Ethnic tensions that had simmered beneath the surface for years among Afghanistan's people and political leaders exacerbated the ANA's downfall. Afghanistan's diverse ethnic landscape, comprised of Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, and others, had historically been a source of showing strength against each other. However, as the Taliban gained ground, these divisions resurfaced, eroding the unity essential for the ANA's success. Inadequate representation of minority groups within the army fueled resentment and a lack of commitment to the cause.
The ANA's inability to withstand the Taliban's offensive starkly manifested its weaknesses. The insurgent group exploited the Afghan national army's lack of cohesion, corruption, and inadequate leadership. With a relentless surge, the Taliban seized territory after territory, dealing a severe blow to the ANA's credibility and control in military history. The Afghanistan national army casualties were high, and morale plummeted as the seemingly invincible Taliban surged onward.
The Political and External Interference
The influence of political agendas and external actors in Afghanistan's affairs further complicated the situation of Afghanistan's national army. The ANA was often caught in the crossfire of competing interests, with international powers leveraging their support to further their own goals. These interferences destabilized the army's structure and undermined its autonomy and credibility in the eyes of the Afghan people because the army was the only hope of the Afghan people and nation, which was destroyed by all these political and regional interferences.
The Heartrending Perspective of Afghan Women and Society
The fall of the ANA and the Government of the Republic of Afghanistan profoundly impacted Afghan women, whose rights and freedoms were at stake. Over the years, women have made strides in education, employment, and public life, thanks in part to the protection provided by the democratic system and provided securely by the ANA. As the Taliban asserted their dominance, fear gripped women and society as a whole, shrouding the future in uncertainty. The dreams of progress shattered, replaced by a dark cloud of regression.
August 15, 2023; A Nation Remembers
As the second anniversary of the government and ANA's fall approached, Afghanistan people stood at a crossroads, still grappling with the repercussions of that dark day. The Afghan people's resilience shines through as they gather to remember the sacrifices made by their soldiers, a solemn reminder of the cost of conflict in the history of Afghanistan. The communities will come together, not in despair, but in a shared commitment to rebuilding their nation from the ashes of adversity. The August 15 memorial will reveal a complex tapestry of emotions among the Afghan people. While grief, anger, and fear are prevalent in Afghanistan, they will be accompanied by resilience, determination, and hope. The memorial will serve as a reminder of the immense challenges faced by the Afghan people and their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. It will have highlighted their collective commitment to rebuilding their nation and army and striving for a brighter future despite the painful memories associated with the fall of the ANA.
The Unyielding Resilience and Hope
The reaction of the Afghan people and women to the second memorial speaks volumes about their unyielding resilience. Despite the challenges, the spirit of hope remains alive as they honor the memory of those who fought valiantly. The wounds of the past are not forgotten, but they serve as a driving force for a better future. This resilience echoes through the tears and prayers of the people, intertwining grief with determination. Amid the sadness that surrounds the anniversary, Afghanistan will witness a renewed pledge for a new beginning. The people's determination to rebuild their nation, security, and freedom free from corruption and oppression will take center stage. The memory of the ANA's fall acts as a catalyst for change will, inspiring collective action toward a more substantial, united Afghanistan.
Two Contradictory Events
Overall, this tragic incident is a dark and sad day for the war victims, the army soldiers' families, and the people of Afghanistan. The memorial collapsed of the Afghanistan system, and its national army is sadder than that yesterday, August 14, 2023, was the anniversary of Pakistan's independence. However, today, August 15, 2023, is a reminder of a dark and sad day in Afghanistan. These two contradictory events are painful, tearful, and heartbreaking in that Pakistan's destructive and abusive policy has interfered with the Afghanistan people's military, governmental, and even social affairs for many years.
In conclusion, the second anniversary of the fall of the Afghan National Army on August 15, 2021, has carried profound challenges, sorrows, wounds, and disappointments for Afghanistan and its people. This event's causes, factors, and aftermath paint a complex picture of a nation grappling with internal and external pressures. As the Afghanistan people gathered worldwide again to remember this turning point, their resilience, determination, and hope shone through, creating a tapestry of emotions that speaks to the indomitable spirit of a nation determined to rise from the ashes. May the memory of all soldiers, officers, and employees of the National Army who lost their sweet lives fighting for their homeland be honored.
This article re-published from VOC News
