2021 - The fall of Kabul

US Air Force C-17s and other aircraft assist with the withdrawal from Afghanistan. US Air Force
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Updated 19 April 2025
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2021 - The fall of Kabul

  • After 2 decades, trillions of dollars and countless lives lost, Afghanistan is back where it began. Was it all in vain?

KABUL: During the hot summer of 2021, a deep sense of eeriness, and at the same time optimism, hung over Afghanistan as one city and province after another fell to the Taliban ahead of the imminent full withdrawal of US-led troops.

Those weeks were a microcosm reflecting much of the experience of the 20 years following the US invasion of a country that had already suffered a bloody, decade-long occupation by the Soviet Union in the 1980s, and between 1838 and 1939 endured a series of conflicts with the British Empire.

On Feb. 29, 2020, the Taliban signed the Doha Accord, a peace agreement with a US administration determined to end to America’s longest war, which began in 2001 in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks by Al-Qaeda.

As part of the deal — officially known as the “Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan which is not recognized by the United States as a state and is known as the Taliban and the United States of America” — Washington agreed to dramatically reduce the number of US forces in the country ahead of a complete withdrawal within 14 months.

It immediately became apparent, however, that without US air and ground support, Afghan government forces could not cope with the sudden surge in Taliban attacks that followed the signing of the agreement.

How we wrote it




Arab News reported the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul “20 years after the US-led invasion that ousted them.”

Even the Taliban were stunned by the speed of their victories in 2001, which by Aug. 15 had brought them to the gates of Kabul.

The fall of the city had been predicted a year earlier by Mariam Koofi, a member of the Afghan parliament, while the talks between Taliban delegates and US diplomats were still in full swing in Doha.

“I fear that we would see the Taliban on the streets of Kabul one day when you get up from your bed,” Koofi told me.

Her assessment was based on a number of factors, including corruption within the government, rising numbers of deaths among Afghan troops, power struggles between state and non-state actors, the growing push for a US withdrawal by regional rivals such as Iran, Russia and China, and the decline in vital American military and logistical aid to the government of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

On Aug. 15, 2021, Koofi’s prediction came to pass. As news spread that Ghani and members of his government had fled by helicopter to Central Asia, and US and other Western diplomats had abandoned their embassies in panic, Taliban fighters entered Kabul and captured the presidential palace.

In some parts of the city, large crowds gathered on the streets, some in fear, some to welcome their new rulers. Others were merely curious to see them for the first time, because they were born during the US occupation and so had not experienced the first rule of the Taliban, which was cut short by the American-led invasion in 2001.

Key Dates

  • 1

    In an agreement that excludes the Afghan government, the Taliban and the US sign the Doha Accord, under which Washington commits to a full withdrawal of troops within 14 months.

    Timeline Image Feb. 29, 2020

  • 2

    Newly elected President Joe Biden announces all US troops will leave Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the start of “the forever war.”

    Timeline Image April 14, 2021

  • 3

    Taliban launch major offensive.

    Timeline Image May 1, 2021

  • 4

    Taliban seize Kabul; government of President Ashraf Ghani collapses.

    Timeline Image Aug. 15, 2021

  • 5

    Suicide bombing at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport kills 170 Afghan citizens and 13 US military personnel.

    Timeline Image Aug. 25, 2021

  • 6

    Last-remaining US soldiers leave Afghanistan. Taliban declare victory.

According to Brown University’s Costs of War project, 20 years of war in Afghanistan claimed the lives of more than 168,000 Afghans, including 69,000 members of the national police and military, and 46,000 civilians.

Despite the loss of more than 6,000 American lives and after spending trillions of dollars on the conflict, the US had handed power back to the very group it drove out 20 years earlier.

In the center of Kabul, banks and businesses closed, fearing looting, but the Taliban swiftly managed to stop any threat of plundering. The group also quickly announced the reestablishment of its Islamic Emirate, rather than the formation of a broad-based government as agreed in the Doha deal.

At Kabul airport, diplomats, some of their local employees and foreign aid workers were flown out of the country on US and other foreign military aircraft.

Fearful for the future of Afghanistan under Taliban rule and the return of civil war, tens of thousands of residents mobbed the airport amid false rumors that aircraft were waiting to transport Afghans who wanted to leave the country.




Commanding General US Central Command Kenneth F. McKenzie touring an evacuation control center at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, on August 17,2021. AFP

As evening approached, a human tide broke through barriers and flooded onto the runway. In chaotic scenes, broadcast around the world, some desperate people tried to cling to aircraft as they took off. On Aug. 16, a young dentist fell to his death from a plane, his remains found on a rooftop four miles from the airport. A teenage soccer player similarly died after plummeting from a US aircraft.

In the days that followed, the Taliban, who had promised to be more lenient and inclusive than they had been during their previous rule, began imposing curbs and draconian policies. Billboards depicting women were defaced or torn down, Afghan flags were lowered, cafes stopped playing music, and a few restaurants run by women were closed. Demonstrations by women protesting against the Taliban’s actions were suppressed.

On Aug. 26, a suicide bomber, later identified as a member of Daesh, killed 170 Afghans and 13 US troops at the airport. Five days later, on Aug. 31, the US completed its full withdrawal from Afghanistan.




US Marine and a child spray water at each other during the evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, August 21. US Marine Corps

Since then, the Taliban have continued to impose tough restrictions, particularly on women, who are barred from education above grade 6, attending university, and most public jobs. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have fled the country, seeing no future there.

Meanwhile, the Taliban government faces ever-deepening international isolation, signs of internal divisions, and growing local frustration with its fundamentalist policies.

In addition, Afghanistan might not yet be free of foreign intervention. Although the policy of the new US administration toward the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is not yet entirely clear, on Feb. 1, President Donald Trump repeated a preelection threat that America would reclaim Bagram Airbase.

  • Sayed Salahuddin is an Afghan journalist based in Canada who covered the rise of the Taliban in 1996, the US invasion and the fall of Kabul in 2021.


Umm Al-Qura University: Training students to work with millions of Hajj pilgrims

Updated 17 min 2 sec ago
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Umm Al-Qura University: Training students to work with millions of Hajj pilgrims

  • Makkah-based institute plays significant role in developing Hajj experience under Saudi Vision 2030
  • One of the institute’s most important contributions is its seasonal field studies, says official

MAKKAH: As part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve the experience of Hajj, a specialized institute at Makkah’s Umm Al-Qura University is training thousands of professionals to work with the millions of pilgrims expected to travel to the two holy cities.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research plays a significant role in national development efforts under Vision 2030.

Director Khalid Al-Ghamdi spoke to Arab News about how the institute is working to improve the experience of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

“The institute remains a key driver in enhancing the pilgrimage experience through applied research and strategic capacity building,” Al-Ghamdi told Arab News.

“As an advanced scientific arm, it plays a vital role in improving the efficiency and safety of services at the Grand Mosque and the holy sites.”

HIGHLIGHTS

The institute also trains thousands of field personnel annually to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers, in roles including security and healthcare staff, drivers and volunteers.

Training is delivered through immersive rehearsals that closely mirror real-world conditions in the field.

The institute is a globally unique research center dedicated to serving a gathering of unparalleled scale and significance.

One of the institute’s most important contributions is its seasonal field studies, Al-Ghamdi said.

Carried out annually during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, these studies document and analyze real-time challenges in key areas such as crowd movement, transport flow, environmental hazards, emergency response and overall efficiency.

He added that the outcomes of these studies serve as a vital technical reference for authorities, offering data-driven recommendations that support more effective planning for future seasons — a crucial function as crowds throng at holy sites in high temperatures.

The institute also trains thousands of field personnel annually to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers, in roles including security and healthcare staff, drivers and volunteers.

Training is delivered through immersive rehearsals that closely mirror real-world conditions in the field.

The institute also operates in close coordination with various government entities, including the Ministry of Interior, Civil Defense and the Transport Authority, to align its training with official guidelines.

Al-Ghamdi also discussed the institute’s advisory role in shaping regulatory and operational frameworks for Hajj and Umrah services.

The advisory role includes evaluation studies and environmental impact assessments, which inform strategic decisions on infrastructure development and service quality enhancement.

The institute is a globally unique research center dedicated to serving a gathering of unparalleled scale and significance.

Its research priorities are uniquely tailored, setting it apart from its international counterparts through a specialized focus on the Hajj, the holy sites, the two holy cities and related areas including urban planning, environmental sustainability and humanitarian services.

Additionally, Umm Al-Qura University offers academic programs in medicine and administration, specifically designed to prepare students for managing the unique operational demands of the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
 


Saudi national football team prepare for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Updated 19 min 26 sec ago
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Saudi national football team prepare for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

  • Herve Renard supervised the training, which was held at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium
  • Defender Ali Majrashi returned to full training with the squad after recovering from injury

RIYADH: The Saudi national football team trained on Thursday evening at their preparatory camp in Al-Khobar, as part of the build-up for their crucial ninth and tenth rounds of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

French coach Herve Renard supervised the training, which was held at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium, a media statement said.

The training session began with warm-up training followed by tactical exercises and a half-field game, before it concluded with stretching routines aimed at muscle recovery and injury prevention.

In a positive development, defender Ali Majrashi returned to full training with the squad after recovering from a recent injury. Muteb Al-Harbi and Mohammed Bakr continued their individual rehabilitation programs under the supervision of the medical team.

The Green Falcons will resume their preparation on Friday afternoon with a closed-door training match against the Jordanian national team, also scheduled to take place at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium.


King Salman receives letter from Russian President Putin on Saudi-Russian ties

Updated 28 min 1 sec ago
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King Salman receives letter from Russian President Putin on Saudi-Russian ties

  • Message was delivered to Deputy Foreign Minister Walid bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji during his meeting in Riyadh with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kozlov

RIYADH: King Salman received a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday regarding relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The message was delivered to Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji during his meeting in Riyadh with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kozlov.

The two officials reviewed Saudi-Russian relations and discussed regional and international developments, as well as ongoing diplomatic efforts on key issues, SPA added.


Elevating the comfort and dignity of Hajj pilgrims

Updated 44 min 19 sec ago
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Elevating the comfort and dignity of Hajj pilgrims

  • Premium amenities on offer for ease, safety, accessibility
  • Hajj operators say VIP packages within Islamic guidelines

JEDDAH: A number of premium amenities are available for Hajj pilgrims seeking greater comfort, safety and accessibility during the pilgrimage.

Some of the offerings include specialized tents, gourmet meal options, personal care kits, and 24/7 medical support.

Hajj operator Abdullah Ali bin Mahfouz spoke to Arab News about some of the new services introduced this year.

“We have enhanced our services in very small things,” he said. “Like the pillow, which now weighs 1,100 grams, and the mattresses, which are more comfortable for rest.

“We’ve also set up specialized tents that include mosque praying areas, which were previously located outside. One entire tent is equipped with massaging chairs to provide added comfort to the pilgrims.”

Abdullah Ali bin Mahfouz (left) spoke to Arab News about some of the new Hajj services on offer this year. Shown on the right are some of the premium services available for pilgrims include specialized tents, gourmet meal options, personal care kits and 24/7 medical support. (Supplied)

These upgrades allow pilgrims regardless of age or physical condition to perform their rituals with dignity.

“Our trained staff are available to support pilgrims at every stage, with special care provided for those with mobility needs.”

Wheelchair users are offered dedicated support during essential movement between the holy sites, and the operator also offers 24-hour meal and medical services.

“The Islamic sermon is provided in English, Arabic and Urdu, ensuring that everyone can understand and connect with the spiritual message,” Mahfouz added.

Mohammed Hamed, representing another Hajj operator, highlighted efforts to provide a comfortable pilgrimage.

“We have designed beds in a style with dividers so pilgrims are not disturbed by others in the tent,” he said.

“Each sleeping space includes charging points and reading lamps, allowing pilgrims to rest and recharge both physically and electronically.”

To minimize crowding and waiting, the company brings meals directly to pilgrims. “We will provide food to them wherever they are sitting ensuring a peaceful environment,” Hamed added.

Critics of VIP Hajj packages sometimes raise concerns about preserving the pilgrimage’s spiritual essence. However, providers insist these services are aligned with Islamic values and are merely accommodating varying needs among the faithful.

Salim Mansour, another Hajj service provider, defended the rise of VIP offerings. “The VIP packages are carefully designed to remain within the accepted religious guidelines of Islam.

“Many pilgrims opt for VIP Hajj packages to enjoy added conveniences, such as accommodation near the Jamarat area in Mina and dependable transportation services.”

These services are part of a wider initiative under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing and modernizing the nation’s pilgrimage and tourism offerings.


 


Saudi Hajj gift association Hadiyah to serve 2.9 million pilgrims this year

Updated 59 min 53 sec ago
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Saudi Hajj gift association Hadiyah to serve 2.9 million pilgrims this year

RIYADH: The Hajj and Mutamer’s Gift Charitable Association, or Hadiyah, has launched its field and creative service programs to benefit nearly 3 million pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to SPA, the initiative aims to enrich the spiritual journey of pilgrims by upholding human and moral values from the moment of arrival to departure. Hadiyah’s efforts extend across all points of entry — land, sea and air — facilitating access to Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites.
 
Turki Al-Hetershi, Hadiyah’s executive director, said that the association was preparing to serve 2.9 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors this year.

He said that Hadiyah would focus on enhancing the pilgrim experience through innovative initiatives and strategic community partnerships.