Three Years After Afghanistan Withdrawal, Terror Threats Rise

Three years after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, experts warn that the country has reverted to a terrorist haven, primarily benefiting groups like the Taliban and ISIS. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul criticized the Biden administration for leaving behind $7 billion in military equipment and abandoning American citizens and Afghan allies, thereby emboldening adversaries such as China and Russia. The Islamic State has expanded its influence, with affiliates able to carry out attacks globally, and many fear a resurgence in terrorist activities akin to pre-9/11 days. The Taliban's hold on power has allowed ISIS-K to flourish, while U.S. counterterrorism efforts remain limited and reactive due to a lack of on-ground presence. Analysts argue that without a robust strategy, the U.S. risks falling back into a cycle of terrorism, as evidenced by recent attacks in various countries. Furthermore, the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan continues to worsen, with the Taliban imposing severe restrictions on civil liberties, particularly for women.