Afghanistan Removed from Latest US National Security Strategy
DID Press: In the latest version of the U.S. National Security Strategy, Afghanistan’s name has been dropped for the first time, and the country no longer holds a place among Washington’s security priorities.
The new National Security Strategy, published by the Donald Trump administration, makes no mention of Afghanistan.
This is notable because over the past two decades, Afghanistan had been one of the central focuses of U.S. foreign policy and national security.
The 33-page document primarily emphasizes controlling migration, competing with China, deterrence against Russia, and strengthening U.S. territorial security, with only brief and passing references to South Asia and the Middle East.
Historical review shows that in the 2010 version of the U.S. National Security Strategy, Afghanistan was one of the main topics, second only to Iraq in frequency of mention.
However, in the 2017 and 2022 versions, its prominence gradually declined, and in the 2025 edition, it has been removed entirely.
Donald Trump has repeatedly spoken in recent months about the potential reoccupation of the Bagram military base, but in the past two months he has made no statements on the matter, and the official National Security Strategy now gives Afghanistan no defined role.
The National Security Strategy of each U.S. administration outlines its vision and plans for protecting national security, political and military priorities, and how it intends to engage with the world.
The removal of Afghanistan from the latest version reflects its diminished importance in Washington’s security outlook.