When did we start fighting in Afghanistan?

As an expert in international relations and military history, I can provide an in-depth analysis of the conflict in Afghanistan. The United States' involvement in Afghanistan is a complex issue that has its roots in a series of geopolitical events that unfolded in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Step 1: English Answer The United States' military engagement in Afghanistan began in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which were orchestrated by the extremist group al-Qaeda. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and led to a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. On September 20, 2001, President George W. Bush delivered an ultimatum to the Taliban regime, which was then in control of Afghanistan. The Taliban was given a choice to either hand over Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, and his associates or face military action. The Taliban refused to comply, and as a result, the U.S. launched Operation Enduring Freedom on October 7, 2001. The primary objective of this operation was to dismantle the al-Qaeda network and to remove the Taliban from power, who were providing a safe haven for the terrorist organization. The U.S. was joined by a coalition of international partners, including the United Kingdom, which provided significant military support. The initial stages of the invasion were marked by a rapid advance of U.S. and coalition forces, who were able to topple the Taliban regime within a matter of weeks. However, the conflict quickly evolved into a protracted insurgency, with the Taliban regrouping and launching a guerrilla war against the U.S. and its allies. Over the years, the U.S. and NATO forces faced significant challenges in stabilizing Afghanistan. The country's complex tribal dynamics, widespread corruption, and the resilience of the Taliban insurgency made it difficult to establish a functioning central government. Additionally, the civilian population suffered greatly from the ongoing violence, with many lives lost and infrastructure damaged. In 2014, the U.S. and NATO formally ended their combat mission in Afghanistan, transitioning to a support role for the Afghan security forces. However, the situation remained precarious, and the Taliban continued to gain ground. The U.S. and the Taliban signed a peace agreement in February 2020, which was aimed at reducing violence and paving the way for intra-Afghan negotiations. Despite this, the security situation in Afghanistan remained volatile, and the peace process faced numerous setbacks. The situation took a dramatic turn in August 2021 when the U.S. and NATO began a hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan. This decision was made under the administration of President Joe Biden, who aimed to bring an end to America's longest war. The withdrawal process was fraught with challenges, and it left the Afghan government and its security forces vulnerable to a swift takeover by the Taliban. On August 15, 2021, the Taliban entered Kabul and took control of the presidential palace, effectively marking the end of the Afghan government's control and the return of the Taliban to power. This rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the subsequent events have had profound implications for regional stability and international relations. The U.S. involvement in Afghanistan has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny. It has raised questions about the effectiveness of counterinsurgency strategies, the role of nation-building in foreign policy, and the ethical considerations of military interventions. **

The United States invasion of Afghanistan occurred after the September 11 attacks in late 2001, supported by allies including the United Kingdom. U.S. President George W. Bush demanded that the Taliban hand over Osama bin Laden and expel al-Qaeda from Afghanistan.