The War in Afghanistan began in 2001 following the September 11 attacks, with the U.S. and NATO launching Operation Enduring Freedom to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. While initial military efforts succeeded in toppling the Taliban, the conflict evolved into a protracted insurgency as the Taliban regrouped and fought back. Despite attempts to establish a stable Afghan government, ongoing violence and political corruption persisted. U.S. and NATO troop withdrawals began in 2011, culminating in the Taliban's rapid takeover of Kabul in August 2021. The war resulted in significant casualties and left a complex legacy for Afghanistan's political and social landscape.
The U.S. occupation of Iraq began in 2003 after the invasion aimed at overthrowing Saddam Hussein, based on claims of weapons of mass destruction. While the regime fell quickly, the aftermath led to a violent insurgency and sectarian conflict, complicating efforts to establish a stable government. The U.S. officially ended combat operations in 2011, shifting to a training role for Iraqi forces. The occupation resulted in significant casualties and left lasting impacts on Iraq’s political and social landscape, raising questions about the effectiveness and consequences of the intervention.