Afghanistan: West needs an 'honest, clear-eyed assessment of Nato’s involvement'

The secretary general of Nato has said the US and its allies faced a “serious dilemma” when deciding whether to withdraw from Afghanistan.

Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Jens Stoltenberg said: “Ending our military mission was not easy, we were faced with a serious dilemma – either leave and risk seeing the Taliban regain control, or stay and risk renewed attacks and an open-ended combat mission.

“We never intended to stay in Afghanistan forever.”

He added: “What we have seen in the last few weeks was a military (and) a political collapse at a speed which had not been anticipated.

“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 political solution that Afghans desperately wanted.”

Jens Stoltenberg said the west needs an “honest, clear-eyed assessment of Nato’s involvement in Afghanistan” following its fall to the Taliban.

He blamed the speed of the takeover on Afghan leaders but said: “Despite our considerable investment and sacrifice over two decades, the collapse was swift and sudden.

“There are many lessons to be learned.

“We should also recognise the gains we have made, Nato allies and partners went into Afghanistan after 9/11 to prevent the country from serving as a safe haven for international terrorists to attack us.

“In the last two decades there have been no terrorist attacks on allied soil organised from Afghanistan.”

Mr Stoltenberg added: “Those taking power now have the responsibility to ensure that international terrorists do not regain a foothold.

“(Nato) allies have the capability and the vigilance to address future terrorist threats from Afghanistan.”