“What does this mean?” As the United States withdraws from Bagram, Afghans regret the decades of war Reuters

Kabul (Reuters)-As U.S. troops leave their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, marking the symbolic end of the longest war in U.S. history, locals living in the shadows of the base and near Kabul are left behind. The past and preparation for what is next.

In the weeks since President Joe Biden announced that the army would withdraw unconditionally before September 11, violence has raged across Afghanistan.

According to a study, due to the deadlock in Qatar’s peace negotiations, about a quarter of the country has fallen into the hands of the Taliban in recent weeks, and many people worry that chaos is imminent.

Malek Mir, a mechanic in Bagram, saw Soviet troops and Americans coming and going. He said that he was deeply saddened by the futility of foreign existence.

“They came to bomb the Taliban and got rid of their regime-but now they are leaving, because the Taliban are so powerful, they will soon take over,” he said.

“What is the point of all the destruction, killing and suffering they brought us? I hope they never came.”

According to United Nations records, more than 3,500 foreign troops have been killed in the 20-year war, and since 2009 alone, more than 100,000 civilians have been killed.

However, some people say that the presence of foreign troops has distorted Afghanistan’s economy, and it is time for the country to stand on its own feet.

“The Americans left a legacy of failure, they failed to contain the Taliban or corruption,” said Bagram store owner Sayed Naqibullah. “A small number of Afghans have become so rich, and the vast majority still live in abject poverty.

“In a way, we are glad they are gone… We are Afghans and we will find our way.”

In the nearby capital, the news once again reminded people that since Biden announced his withdrawal in April, panic has increased in many aspects of Afghan society, especially in urban areas.

“Everyone is worried that if foreign forces leave Afghanistan, the Taliban will take over. What shall we do?” asked Zuma Lewafa, a shopkeeper in Kabul.

Wafa and others described signs of poor business and many city residents trying to flee the country. Hundreds of people lined up outside the embassy to seek visas.

Muzhda, a 22-year-old medical student, requested that only one name be revealed for security reasons. She said that her family had decided to leave the country due to the deterioration of the security situation.

She said she wanted to know what the future of waiting for women would be if the Taliban returned to power and restricted women’s access to education, as they did when they were in power last time.

The Taliban stated that they have changed and that they will make provisions for women’s rights in accordance with cultural traditions and religious rules.

Despite this, Mujda said she felt helpless and disappointed with the departure of the United States.

“Under the current situation, the withdrawal of foreign troops is unreasonable,” she said. “It is now clear that the Americans are here for their own purposes, not to help and cooperate with Afghanistan.”

“I am sad and disappointed. I have many dreams that will not come true.”