ChronoFive
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Setting the scene
The U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan August 30, 2021, ending America's longest war (2001-2021). The Taliban rapidly captured Kabul August 15 as Afghan forces collapsed. The U.S. evacuated 124,000 people in two weeks.
What happened
A suicide bombing at Kabul airport August 26 killed 13 U.S. service members and 170 Afghans. The withdrawal was chaotic and criticized, though it fulfilled Trump's 2020 deal with the Taliban.
Why it still matters
August 30, 2021, ended a 20-year war that cost $2 trillion and 2,400 American lives, demonstrating limits of nation-building.
Background
Chaos at Kabul airport symbolized the end.