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Story perspectives

20 Years of NATO's Forgotten War in Afghanistan

1/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

From 2001 to 2021, military personnel from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other nations served in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks.
NATO invoked Article 5, marking a historic collective defense response.
By 2003, attention shifted to Iraq, fueling the view of Afghanistan as "Op Forgotten."
In 2006, the United Kingdom increased its presence in Helmand province as British troops fought the Taliban, with close artillery support.

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Story summary

From 2001 to 2021, military personnel from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other nations served in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks.
NATO invoked Article 5, marking a historic collective defense response.
By 2003, attention shifted to Iraq, fueling the view of Afghanistan as "Op Forgotten."
In 2006, the United Kingdom increased its presence in Helmand province as British troops fought the Taliban, with close artillery support.