On September 11 anniversary, Afghans blame departed US forces for their woes
- The 9/11 attacks prompted a US invasion of Afghanistan and the toppling of its Taliban rulers
- Since returning to power last month, the Taliban has appointed an acting cabinet including several former militants held by the US in Guantanamo Bay
War-weary residents of Kabul expressed anger and feelings of betrayal by the United States on Saturday, as the world marked the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks that prompted a US invasion of Afghanistan and the toppling of its Taliban rulers.
After a two-decade occupation, US forces abruptly pulled out of Afghanistan last month, triggering the collapse of its Western-backed government and the Taliban’s dramatic return to power.
“The misfortunes we are currently experiencing are because of America,” said Abdul Waris, a Kabul resident, as the white flags of the Taliban emblazoned with lines from the Koran hung from nearby lamp posts.
Some of the mostly young men who spoke to Reuters complained that US forces had not tried to help the Afghan people.
“After the September 11 events took place, the Americans were in our country for 20 years for their own benefit,” said Jalil Ahmad.
“They took the benefits they had in mind for 20 years while we did not get any benefit from them. They have left the country in a state of confusion.”
