The Afghan gov't overthrown by Taliban never existed - ex-soldier

Former US soldier discusses how myths, bad data, desire for promotions, corruption and waste underpinned the Afghan war.

A US SOLDIER takes cover during a controlled detonation in southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province in 2012.

A US SOLDIER takes cover during a controlled detonation in southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province in 2012.

(photo credit: SHAMIL ZHUMATOV / REUTERS)

BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

AUGUST 19, 2021 19:38

RECOMMENDED STORIES

A B-2 Spirit proceeds to an undisclosed location after flying a mission over Iraq, March 27, 2003.

Huckabee says that US B-2 bombers 'need to visit Yemen' after Houthis missile intercepted

JULY 1, 2025

Missiles launched from Iran are intercepted as seen from Tel Aviv, Israel, June 18, 2025.

'Baptism by fire': IDF Arrow Unit official shares insight into operations during Iran war

JUNE 30, 2025

NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani against backdrop of pro-Palestinian protest in New York. (illustration)

Mamdani sponsors bill that would ban Jewish nonprofits from raising money for ZAKA, Hatzalah

JULY 1, 2025

AI image of the Statue of Liberty holding a sign in front of a New York City landscape.

NYC property owners panic over Mamdani win, pitch Israel 'equity swap' plan

JUNE 30, 2025

Hot Opinion

Frustration with our leadership must not lead to our annihilation

ByJPOST EDITORIAL

Michael Masters

A dangerous new chapter: The threat of North American domestic terror

ByMICHAEL MASTERS

An Iron Dome of values: Israel's future lies in Herzl's vision

ByIRINA NEVZLIN

Poor habits cause death more than disease

ByALAN FREISHTAT