David Loyn David Loyn

What went wrong in Afghanistan

On paper Afghanistan had more than enough to troops secure the country against an insurgency. (Photo via Getty Images)

When Joe Biden ordered the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, he was able to say that they’d leave behind a formidable Afghan army with 300,000 troops, paramilitary police and some 30,000 special forces. That is, on paper, more than enough to secure the country against an insurgency if skilfully deployed and well motivated.

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