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Oct 16, 2023
HKIA At Night
by Ansel Rubin, Cpl, 1st Battalion 8th Marines “Everyone I believe has that one singular event that they remember most from our...
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-KAUBL AFGHANISTAN . AUG 2021 | OPERATION ALLIES REFUGE
Historic Preservation
Preserving the Stories of the Kabul Evacuation
Our Historical Program is dedicated to collecting, documenting, and sharing the stories of veterans who took part in one of the most complex and challenging non-combatant evacuations in U.S. history.ving the history and legacy of the Kabul evacuation through storytelling and advocacy.
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PRESERVING THE LEGACY
The Fall of Kabul in August 2021 was one of the most intense evacuations in modern history, forcing U.S. service members to make impossible choices. Many veterans still carry the emotional weight of this mission.
At Operation Allies Refuge (OAR) Foundation, we believe history should be both remembered and used for healing. That’s why we created the Historical Program—to collect, document, and to finally be able to release these very emotional stories.
HISTORICAL INNITIATIVES
OAR’s historical initiatives preserve the stories of those who served through written accounts, interviews, advocacy, and memorials.
FALL OF KABUL: A TIMELINE
2020: The Doha Agreement and Initial U.S. Troop Reductions
On February 29, 2020, the United States and the Taliban signed the Doha Agreement in Qatar, marking a pivotal moment in the Afghanistan conflict. The agreement outlined key provisions: the U.S. committed to withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan within 14 months, by May 1, 2021; the Taliban pledged not to harbor terrorists and to engage in negotiations with the Afghan government; and a reduction in violence was expected, alongside a ceasefire.
THE IMPACT OF THE FALL OF AFGHANISTAN
The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 led to severe restrictions on women’s rights, education, and freedom of speech. The chaotic U.S. withdrawal was seen globally as a sign of American weakness, with China and Russia questioning U.S. commitments to its allies. NATO members felt betrayed, and the resurgence of ISIS-K and Al-Qaeda raised new security concerns. Pakistan gained influence but faced instability due to Taliban rule.
The humanitarian crisis worsened as over 120,000 people were evacuated, but millions were left behind, including vulnerable Afghans. Women faced severe rights restrictions, and the economy collapsed, leading to widespread hunger and reliance on humanitarian aid.
The impact on U.S. veterans was profound, with many feeling disillusioned and facing increased mental health struggles. Public opinion on the war shifted, with Americans supporting the withdrawal but divided on its execution, marking a shift in U.S. priorities toward China and Russia.
MENTAL HEALTH
The moral injury experienced by U.S. veterans from the Fall of Afghanistan is a deep emotional and psychological wound that stems from witnessing or participating in events that conflict with their deeply held values or beliefs. For many veterans who served in Afghanistan, the chaotic withdrawal and the rapid fall of the Afghan government to the Taliban felt like a betrayal of their efforts and sacrifices over the previous two decades.
Many veterans struggled with the idea that their work to support a stable Afghan government, train local forces, and protect civilians was ultimately undone in a matter of weeks. The abrupt nature of the withdrawal, coupled with the Taliban’s swift return to power, left many questioning the worth of their service and the long-term impact of their sacrifices. This sense of moral injury is particularly painful for those who had personal connections to Afghan allies, interpreters, and civilians, knowing that they were left behind or abandoned in a rapidly deteriorating situation.
The moral injury also intensified due to the humanitarian crisis that followed, with many veterans feeling helpless as they watched the return of Taliban oppression and the violence that ensued. For veterans who had fought to protect the Afghan people and build a better future, seeing the reversal of those gains—and the resurgence of extremist groups—created a profound sense of failure and grief. This feeling of having fought for nothing can contribute to mental health struggles, PTSD, and an ongoing sense of betrayal.
In addition, the public’s divided reaction to the withdrawal, coupled with the media's portrayal of the events, often left veterans feeling unsupported or misunderstood, further deepening the sense of moral injury.
HOW WE USE HISTORY
Using history to heal and advocate for better policies involves understanding the past to process trauma, learn from mistakes, and shape a more informed and promising future. By reflecting on historical events, we can gain insight into how individuals and societies responded to challenges, which helps in addressing current issues and creating positive change.
For healing, history allows veterans, survivors, and communities affected by past events to acknowledge their pain, understand the broader context, and find solidarity with others who have experienced similar struggles. This can be a powerful tool for individuals to process their trauma, as they see patterns and narratives of resilience, survival, and recovery. Understanding that healing is part of a broader human experience—one that has unfolded over time—can provide comfort and a sense of continuity.
For advocacy, history can serve as a guide to creating more effective and humane policies. By analyzing the past consequences, we can identify what worked, what didn’t, and why. For instance, understanding the long-term effects of past military interventions, such as in Afghanistan, can push for more thoughtful approaches to foreign policy, diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts. Similarly, learning from past mistakes in healthcare, immigration, or social justice allows advocates to propose policies that avoid the pitfalls of previous approaches, improving outcomes for future generations.
STORIES FROM HKIA
OAR HISTORY IN PHOTOS
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