The events of the last few weeks show a military and political collapse “at a speed which had not been anticipated,” Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s Secretary General, said as he expressed deep sadness over the events unfolding in Afghanistan on Tuesday.
“Parts of the Afghan security forces fought bravely, but they were unable to secure the country, because, ultimately, the Afghan political leadership failed to stand up to the Taliban and achieve the peaceful solution that Afghans desperately wanted,” Stoltenberg told journalists at a virtual press conference.
“This failure of Afghan leadership led to the tragedy we are witnessing today,” he added.
Stoltenberg also addressed NATO’s engagement in the country, saying it needs an honest assessment.
“Despite our considerable investment and sacrifice over two decades, the collapse was swift and sudden. There are many lessons to be learned,” he said
He described the dilemma NATO allies faced around the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. Troops could either leave and risk seeing the Taliban regain control – or stay and risk renewed attacks and an open-ended combat mission, he said, adding, “We never intended to stay in Afghanistan forever.”
Stoltenberg added that while the risk of the Taliban regaining control was clear when the block decided to end its military presence, the speed of the Taliban’s seizure was a surprise. The big question to ask is why the forces, which NATO trained, supported and equipped, weren’t able to stand up to the Taliban in a stronger way, he said.
NATO’s focus currently is to ensure the safe departure of personnel from allied and partner countries as well as Afghan nationals, who have worked for them, Stoltenberg said. Around 800 NATO civilian personnel, working for example in air traffic control, have remained at Kabul’s international airport, working under challenging circumstances, according to Stoltenberg.
“I would like to thank them,” he said. Operations at the airport are resuming, and allies are sending additional airplanes.
The Secretary General urged the Taliban to respect safe departures of all those wishing to leave.
“All Afghan men, women and children deserve to live in safety and dignity, there must be a peaceful transfer of power to an inclusive government with no revenge or retribution. A government that does not respect the fundamental rights of all Afghans and reinstates the reign of fear risks international isolation,” Stoltenberg warned.