Operation freedom's sentinel and last 6 years of nato in Afghanistan: a debacle or victory?

Following the September 11 attacks, U.S. President Bush demanded that the Taliban immediately give back al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden to the United States; the Taliban refused and the U.S. declared Operation Enduring Freedom against Afghanistan. The U.S.-led coalition remained in Afghanistan, forming a security mission (ISAF)—sanctioned by the United Nations— as a part of NATO with the goal of creating a new democratic authority. But in 2015, NATO formally ended ISAF combat operations in Afghanistan, changed the operation name as Operation Freedom's Sentinel and gave all responsibility to Afghan security forces; and started to prepare the withdrawal of all NATO. In this study, a qualitative research method of document analysis was applied, highlighting both significant achievements and encountered challenges when assessing the success of the operation. NATO significantly contributed to the training and capacity building of Afghan security forces. It conducted crucial operations against terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, thus reducing the terrorist threat in the region. Furthermore, NATO provided substantial support for infrastructure projects and humanitarian aid activities in Afghanistan, contributing to the improvement of local living conditions Following NATO's withdrawal, Afghanistan experienced rapid deterioration in security, leading to serious security issues such as the Taliban's takeover of the country. Sustainable political stability could not be achieved in Afghanistan, as the nation faced various political conflicts and instability. Additionally, Afghan security forces proved inadequate in effectively combating the Taliban after NATO's withdrawal. In conclusion, while NATO achieved significant successes in Afghanistan, it also faced various challenges. Long-term sustainable success was not attained. For future operations, it is crucial to consider these challenges and adopt more effective strategies, which could enhance NATO's success in future missions.