The Afghanistan War Commission prepares for its second public hearing on April 11, bringing together U.S. and Afghan officials to examine what went wrong in America’s longest war.
At a Glance
- The Commission is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the 20-year U.S. involvement in Afghanistan to provide lessons for future policymakers
- Established by Congress as an independent body similar to the 9/11 Commission, it has already held over 30 meetings since launching in August 2023
- Five research teams are examining military operations, policy, development, intelligence, and counterterrorism aspects of the war
- A dedicated Veterans’ portal has collected over 200 responses from Afghanistan War Veterans sharing their experiences
- The Commission’s final report is expected in 2026, with an interim report already released
Commission’s Purpose and Progress
The Afghanistan War Commission stands as Congress’s response to America’s longest war, which ended with a chaotic withdrawal in 2021. Designed to function with the same independence and rigor as the 9/11 Commission, this bipartisan body is tasked with examining the full spectrum of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021. Since its establishment in August 2023, the Commission has made significant progress, holding over 30 meetings, hiring 35 staff members, and receiving numerous classified and unclassified briefings about wartime decisions.
The upcoming April 11 hearing represents the second public forum where testimonies from both American and Afghan civilian and military personnel will provide crucial insights. These testimonies will focus on strategic decisions made throughout the conflict, evaluation of stated goals, and critical lessons that can be drawn from the 20-year war effort. The Commission has organized its research into five thematic teams focusing on military operations, policy and diplomacy, development, intelligence, and counterterrorism.
Veteran Engagement and Research Priorities
A distinctive aspect of the Commission’s approach is its commitment to engaging with Veterans who served in Afghanistan. Through virtual roundtables, conferences, collaborations with Veteran Service Organizations, and media appearances, the Commission is actively seeking input from the approximately 800,000 military Veterans who participated in the war effort. A dedicated Veterans’ portal has been established, which has already received over 200 responses from those who served in various capacities during the conflict.
“Although U.S. involvement in Afghanistan ended three years ago, questions linger for many of the estimated 800,000 military Veterans like me who served in the 20-year war effort.” said Chris Molino.
The Commission has identified several key research priorities that will shape its final report. These include examining U.S. policy objectives throughout the conflict, analyzing the collapse of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, evaluating counterterrorism efforts, assessing the impact of development activities on U.S. security interests, and reviewing intelligence assessments following the withdrawal. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a thorough understanding of what transpired during America’s longest war.
Looking Ahead: Accountability and Lessons
The Commission’s ultimate goal extends beyond mere historical documentation. It seeks to build transparency, foster accountability, and develop a comprehensive understanding of how the war impacted decision-makers, servicemembers, and communities affected by the conflict. The final report, expected in 2026, will provide recommendations designed to prevent similar mistakes in future conflicts and improve America’s approach to complex military engagements abroad.
“The Afghanistan War Commission hopes that our research and recommendations will not only help prevent and better prepare us for future conflicts but also provide a semblance of catharsis for all who served and sacrificed during the war.” – Chris Molino.
For many Veterans and families who lost loved ones in Afghanistan, the Commission represents a chance for closure and understanding. The thorough examination of decision-making processes, strategic shifts, and operational challenges aims to honor those who served by ensuring their experiences inform future national security policies. By learning from both successes and failures in Afghanistan, the Commission hopes to strengthen America’s ability to protect its interests while avoiding the pitfalls that characterized much of the Afghanistan conflict.
