Amerika Birleşik Devletleri'nin Afganistan Savaşı'nın meşruiyeti‎ (2001-2021)

The research, "Legitimacy of the United States War in Afghanistan," examined the legitimacy of the US war in Afghanistan from a legal perspective, grounded in international law, the United Nations Charter, and domestic legal frameworks. This comprehensive study sought to assess whether the actions taken by the United States and its allies adhered to the principles enshrined in international legal agreements and the mandates of the United Nations, particularly concerning the justifications provided for military intervention. Furthermore, the research explored the long- and short-term consequences of the US-led intervention in Afghanistan. It aimed to understand why, despite the significant investment by the Western hemisphere in governance, capacity-building, and the military capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (IRA), the Taliban were able to return to power. This return highlighted a paradox: the very measures intended to stabilize the country and eliminate extremist threats seemed insufficient to prevent the resurgence of the Taliban, creating conditions that favored their return to political power. Additionally, the study analysed how the United States is managing its security objectives following the complete withdrawal of US forces in 2021. This withdrawal marked a significant shift in US foreign policy, emphasizing the use of over-thehorizon capabilities, such as reconnaissance operations and attack/lethal drones, to monitor and counter potential threats in Kabul and other provinces of Afghanistan. These capabilities are designed to address security challenges remotely, raising questions about their effectiveness, legality, and potential humanitarian consequences. The research combines library and field methodologies, using scholarly resources, legal documents, and insights from interviews with experts. A significant limitation is the reliance on secondary data and expert opinions, which may reflect diverse interpretations of international legal standards and the dynamic political environment surrounding the conflict. The legal focus restricts moral and broader political analyses. It relies on available data, such as international legal frameworks, expert interviews, and surveys, which may be incomplete or subject to bias. The complexities of Afghanistan's socio-political environment pose challenges to generalizing conclusions or fully understanding long-term impacts. ii Despite this, research is organized into five chapters. Chapter One introduces the research problem, methodology, and objectives. Chapter Two traces the timeline of the US war in Afghanistan, highlighting the policies of various administrations and their strategic implications. Chapter Three provides a legal analysis of the invasion's legitimacy under international law. Chapter Four presents data analysis, including expert opinions on the consequences of the war. Chapter Five concludes with recommendations addressing international law, human rights, and future conflict resolutions. This research underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of international law in the context of military interventions and highlights the importance of addressing both legal and humanitarian considerations in evaluating the legitimacy of such conflicts.