Emran Feroz: Afghanistan’s War Did Not End With US Withdrawal

DID Press: Afghan-Austrian journalist Emran Feroz says the war in Afghanistan did not end with the withdrawal of US forces five years ago, arguing that Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory, particularly in recent months, represent a continuation of the conflict in a different form.

Speaking to Democracy Now! after returning from a month of reporting in Afghanistan, Feroz said: “I believe the war on terror has not yet ended.”

He said civilians, particularly children, have also been among the victims of recent Pakistani attacks. According to Feroz, Pakistan’s military is now using arguments similar to those employed by the United States during its “war on terror” to justify its operations in Afghanistan.

“Pakistan’s military regime has partly replaced the United States and is now using the same arguments of the war on terror to target Afghan civilians,” he said.

Feroz also cited corruption under Afghanistan’s former government, the continuation of the conflict and the mistreatment of prisoners at Bagram Air Base as factors that contributed to growing public discontent and helped strengthen the Taliban.

He described the situation facing Afghan women and girls as worrying, saying Taliban restrictions on education and employment have forced many families to leave the country. He added that some Taliban officials disagree over these restrictions, but the leadership’s rigid structure has prevented policy changes.