Decades on from the US’s disastrous campaign in Afghanistan, Trump is making all the same mistakes | Simon Tisdall
The president has blundered into a ‘forever war’ with Iran he can’t win, but refuses to end. Such hubris has a long history It’s five years this month since the chaotic retreat of US forces from Kabul.
Reported by 1 outlet — The Guardian US. See all sources ↓
Five years after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, President Trump is making similar mistakes with Iran. He has entered a conflict that looks like a never‑ending war he cannot win. The article compares this to the failed Afghanistan campaign that began after the 9/11 attacks. It notes the high cost in lives and says the Taliban returned to power.
Why it matters
Readers should care because repeating past errors could lead to more loss of life and wasted resources. Understanding these patterns helps assess whether current policies are likely to succeed or fail.
- What war is Trump being compared to Afghanistan?
- He is being compared to a potential forever war with Iran.
- When did the US leave Afghanistan?
- The US left Afghanistan five years ago, in August 2021.
- What happened after the US left Afghanistan?
- The Taliban regained control of the country.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
All outlets frame the story in the same way, highlighting Trump’s repeated mistakes and the comparison to the Afghanistan failure.
- Coverage card1 outlet1CoverageScouting report
Decades on from the US’s disastrous campaign in Afghanistan, Trump is making all the same mistakes | Simon Tisdall
Sources1TypeCoverageThe Guardian US