What were the main causes of the conflict in Afghanistan post-2001?

The main causes of the conflict in Afghanistan post-2001 were the US-led invasion, Taliban insurgency, and regional instability.

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the United States launched Operation Enduring Freedom to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power in Afghanistan. The Taliban had provided a safe haven for al-Qaeda, the group responsible for the attacks. The US-led invasion quickly toppled the Taliban regime, but this created a power vacuum and led to ongoing instability.

The Taliban, although removed from power, regrouped and launched an insurgency against the new Afghan government and international forces. They used guerrilla tactics, including roadside bombs and suicide attacks, to destabilise the country. The insurgency was fuelled by various factors, including ethnic divisions, local grievances, and the desire to expel foreign troops from Afghan soil.

Regional instability also played a significant role in the conflict. Afghanistan's neighbours, particularly Pakistan, were accused of providing support to the Taliban. Pakistan's tribal areas along the Afghan border became safe havens for Taliban fighters. Additionally, Iran and other regional powers had their own interests in Afghanistan, further complicating the situation.

The Afghan government, established with international support, struggled with corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of legitimacy among the Afghan people. This weakened its ability to govern effectively and provide security, making it difficult to counter the Taliban insurgency.

International efforts to rebuild Afghanistan faced numerous challenges, including insufficient resources, coordination issues, and the complex social and political landscape of the country. Despite significant investments in development and security, progress was slow and uneven, contributing to the prolonged conflict.

In summary, the conflict in Afghanistan post-2001 was driven by the US-led invasion, the Taliban insurgency, and regional instability, compounded by internal governance issues and the challenges of international intervention.