Afghanistan Celebrates National Victory Day Marking U.S. Withdrawal with Public Holiday

The Afghan caretaker government has officially announced August 14 as a national public holiday, commemorating a day of victory against the forces led by the United States. Named Victory Day, this date aligns with Asad 24 of the Persian calendar, a significant day in modern Afghan history, signifying the withdrawal of U.S.-led troops and the end of a prolonged military engagement.

In August 2021, the world witnessed the departure of American forces from Afghanistan, marking an end to the 20-year military operation that had been initiated in the wake of the September 11 attacks under the pretense of combating terrorism and the pursuit of al-Qaida’s leader, Osama bin Laden.

The fiscal toll of the war on the U.S. is astonishingly high, with over $2 trillion spent. This not only includes direct costs of military operations but also extends to the long-term care for veterans and cumulative interest on borrowed funds. The breakdown of expenses casts a shadow on the opportunity costs and the long-term impacts, such as the sociocultural effects endured by military personnel and their families, as well as the strategic repercussions on global politics.

The final stages of the U.S. exit were visually emblematic of the turbulent span of the conflict, as an estimated $7 billion worth of military equipment was abandoned at locations like Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport. The inventory included over 70 aircraft, thousands of vehicles, and significant cache of arms and ammunition. While efforts were made to deactivate certain assets, much of this equipment inevitably fell under the Taliban’s control following the Afghan government's collapse.

Afghanistan's declaration of Victory Day is not only a reflection of the political transition within the nation but also serves as a reminder of the exhaustive expenditures of war, both financial and humanistic. As Afghans brace a post-conflict future, this official public holiday represents a moment of reflection and potential rebuilding of a war-torn nation.

The acknowledgment of the day by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs underscores the shift in the nation’s narrative and is an intrinsic part of Afghanistan's journey toward sovereignty. The day is set to be observed annually, providing an opportunity for Afghan citizens to commemorate their history while facing forward to the prospects of their country's future.