The war in Afghanistan began on October 7th 2001. The primary reason for the invasion of Afghanistan resulted from the September 11 attack on the United States.

The war in Afghanistan is one of the first major conflicts that have happened in the 21st Century. This war in the response to the September 11th attacks on the United States Twin Towers buildings, in which nearly 3000 civilians lost their lives due to al-Qaeda’s actions, and also the assassination of anti-Taliban leader  on September 9, 2001.  Consequently, Afghanistan war started as a means to protect the civilians and to remove al-Qaeda from its power. Nations around the world including the NATO members felt that it was a worthwhile job to remove al-Qaeda, who was known to be behind the terror attacks. Various countries have been participating in the Afghan war such as Canada, United States, Britain, France, German, Italian, New Zealand, South Korean, etc.  About 10 years into the war, finally the U.S.  government flew its Navy Seals helicopter into Pakistan on May 1, 2011 killing , the founder and leader of al-Qaeda and the master mind behind .  However, the war is still continuing.

To end the Afghan war, it would require that foreign troops engage the Afghan people in protecting their own country.  Also, the foreign troops need to focus on social and economic development projects, whereby the Afghan people do not have to depend on the likes of terror groups.  Organizations such as the UN, and charity-based groups can play a key role in the rebuilding of the country.  However, the UN should be getting more involved. They should provide support in defending the country similar to their peace keeping efforts elsewhere.  Additionally, since more resources would be required, my suggestion would be that the U.S. troops who recently finished their mission in Iraq be deployed into Afghanistan to assist. Also, armed forces should stay a little longer, about 4 to 5 years, to ensure that Afghan soldiers and police officers can handle the terrors of the al-Qaeda.

The solutions listed above are definitely plausible, particularly if all countries bind together in common purpose of removing the terrorist groups and helping the development of Afghanistan.  This will also require a champion or an important leader such as Barack Obama. This is a complex task, but with the right mind and skill set it can be achieved. That said, the efforts could be derailed if countries disagree in their approach or if they have a hidden agenda.  As it stands, the only country that is interfering with the process and goal to achieve peace is Pakistan. Pakistan is interfering by feeding information and secretly helping the terrorist groups, which is a major problem. Also, other countries such as Iran and North Korea may use the war to their advantage in slowing down the troops’ efforts and country building process.

However, the countries that are contributing to the war against Afghanistan are providing the civilians with hope and prosperity, which someday it will all turn out for the better. Although many lives were lost, they have accomplished a greater good by slowly but surely getting rid of terrorists and making a better place for all people globally.  It is great to see countries being united in bringing peace for all.  Based on the progress so far, we can be hopeful that terrorist groups such as the Taliban and al-Qaeda will be eventually removed and citizens of countries such as Afghanistan will not have to live in sorrow.