On August 15, 2021, the people of Afghanistan experienced a devastating defeat, one whose effects may linger for generations. Yet, defeat is not unusual in the history of nations; it is an inevitable part of every country’s story. No nation boasts a history marked solely by victories and unbroken success—such a notion defies the natural order. Human history, especially since the advent of urban societies, has always been a mix of triumphs and setbacks, of victories and defeats. In this light, the collapse of governments and the defeat of nations are natural occurrences, common to all. The crucial factor is how nations respond to defeat: Do they learn from it? Do they identify its root causes? Do they take steps to prevent it from happening again? Can they rise again, or do they succumb to permanent collapse? In other words, do they turn challenges into opportunities, or do they allow themselves to be consumed by the bitter consequences? From this perspective, the experiences of nations vary widely; some rise from the ashes to reclaim their former glory, while others fade into the annals of history.
Three years after our defeat, it’s time to reflect on our most significant reactions to this historic disaster. Do these reactions reflect mental resilience, psychological health, and a hopeful outlook? Or do they suggest a deep-seated disorder in our collective consciousness that requires more fundamental solutions? We can analyze these reactions on both individual and collective levels, examining the responses of each generation, social class, and political group to gain a clearer understanding. The behaviors that follow a defeat reveal much about a society, offering important insights into its social psychology. Through this analysis, we can better understand our weaknesses and strengths, enabling us to adopt a more effective approach in the future.
In the immediate aftermath of the fall, panic was widespread. Although signs of collapse had been visible for some time, many were unprepared. When it happened, they struggled to accept reality, convincing themselves that the sudden change was a bad dream that would soon pass. This panic, confusion, and inability to grasp the situation were evident at all levels, even among the country’s leading politicians, who, just days earlier, had dreamed of returning to power. They couldn’t accept that the power they had once held had suddenly slipped away. Those who had been at the center of discussions in Tehran, Islamabad, Doha, and Moscow, deciding the fate of the nation, now found themselves under house arrest, stranded in airports, or stuck in refugee camps, clinging to the hope that things would return to normal.
The next reaction was an outpouring of anger, with many directing insults and curses at anyone they believed responsible—from the Commander-in-Chief of the Afghan Armed Forces to the Minister of Defense, the Head of Security, the NATO commander, the United States, Western civilization, and even the “white man.” This turn to harsh language and curses, rather than criticism, reflected despair and helplessness, a recognition of the immense and irreversible nature of the defeat. Venting anger through insults became a way for many to cope, as they flooded social media and public spaces with bitter, venomous words in an attempt to ease their wounded spirits.
A more intense reaction soon followed, igniting ethnic and tribal tensions. People who had lived together for centuries now saw each other as enemies, each considering themselves the victim and the other the aggressor. In this atmosphere, projection, self-victimization, demonization of others, and a stark division of society into “us” versus “them” became widespread. Discussions about division, revenge, and bloodshed emerged, reaching back into history, even to events hundreds of years old, as people dug up past grievances to fuel present conflicts.
However, none of these reactions heal wounds, lessen the bitterness of defeat, or provide sustenance to those trapped in this historical misery. A more constructive response would have involved dialogue, collective reflection, and public consultation. We should have recognized that blaming others would not solve our problems. Instead, we should have taken responsibility for our actions and inactions like mature individuals. We should have sought ways to forgive and reconcile, uniting against the enemy that brought such disaster upon our country. By bridging gaps, setting aside petty disputes, and focusing on common goals, we could have worked to strengthen our ranks. We should have embraced anyone who raised their voice against the Taliban, extremism, and terrorism, seeing them as one of us. We should have guided the confused and bewildered, completing the many unfinished tasks to turn this defeat into the start of another victory. History shows that even the most severe defeats, like those of Japan and Germany, can be overcome with rationality and an indomitable will. If we focus on reflection and learning from the past instead of cursing and blaming, we will find the insights needed to move toward a brighter future.
You can read the Persian version of this editorial here:
