Bangladesh, Aug. 14 -- Five years after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, the consequences of the United States withdrawal continue to shape regional security, global geopolitics, and the lives of millions of Afghans. What was once Americas longest war ended not with a negotiated political settlement or a stable transition of power, but with the rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the Talibans swift return to Kabul in August 2021. Although the withdrawal fulfilled a long-standing political promise to end Americas military involvement, it also raised fundamental questions about US strategic planning, credibility, and long-term influence.

The debate surrounding Afghanistan remains politically sensitive in Washington beca...