The final departure of U.S. troops from Afghanistan concluded a nearly 20-year military engagement that began in the wake of the September 11 attacks in 2001. As part of the Doha Agreement signed in February 2020 between the U.S. and the Taliban, the U.S. committed to withdrawing its forces by a stipulated deadline. In the months leading up to the withdrawal, Afghanistan witnessed a rapid advance of Taliban forces, culminating in their takeover of the capital, Kabul, in mid-August 2021. This prompted urgency in evacuation efforts for both Afghan civilians seeking refuge and remaining American personnel. As the last planes took off from Hamid Karzai International Airport, poignant scenes captured the struggles and desperation of those left behind amid a collapsing government. The airlift marked both a symbolic and literal retreat for the U.S. from its longest war, which resulted in significant loss of life and resources as well as profound ramifications for subsequent political stability in Afghanistan. The chaotic nature of the withdrawal drew intense scrutiny domestically and internationally, prompting discussions about the lessons learned from the prolonged conflict.