The war in Afghanistan has been waging since 2001. John Ware takes a look at the last decade of fighting and asks some important questions as to when the conflict may end. The war follows the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, upon the twin towers by the al-Qaeda. NATO made an intervention into the Afghan political struggle attempting to take away power from the Taliban government. At the time Taliban controlled 90% of Afghanistan.

When the Taliban government refused to have Osama bin Laden leave the country saying he hadn’t been proved to be behind the 9/11 attacks, the American government joined with the United Kingdom and Germany to attack the Taliban and al-Qaeda under Operation Enduring Freedom. Though they were driven from power as new military bases were built through the country, many escaped to Pakistan. Though the US outnumbers the Taliban in weapons, they continue to wage war with guerrilla raids and ambushes, suicide attacks, and turncoat killings against coalition forces.

It has been easy for the Taliban to take control where there is such a corrupt government; Afghanistan is one of the largest areas of corruption in the world. The war has expanded into Pakistan and has led to attacks on the leaders of insurgent groups. On 2 May 2011, U.S. Navy SEALs killed Osama bin Laden. Since the war began, tens of thousands have been killed. John Ware raises some interesting points and gives an insightful look into the seemingly never-ending war in Afghanistan.