Sweden Faces Backlash Over Abandoning Afghan Allies After Military Withdrawal

Criticism of Sweden's military withdrawal from Afghanistan has intensified, particularly concerning the fate of Afghan interpreters and allies who supported Swedish forces during the conflict. Birger Schlaug, in a recent opinion piece, emphasizes the "significant failure" of Sweden's involvement in Afghanistan and labels the abandonment of these allies as a moral failure.

The article highlights the ongoing dangers faced by those Afghans left behind, especially after the recent murder of an Afghan who aided Swedish forces. This incident underscores the urgent need for Sweden, unlike other nations, to take responsibility and action to protect these individuals, many of whom are threatened due to their association with foreign troops.

A 2020 government report pointedly notes that none of the Swedish military mission’s primary goals, which included poverty alleviation and security enhancements, were fulfilled despite an expenditure of 30 billion SEK. Schlaug further highlights public sentiment, indicating that only 1% of Afghans believed foreign troops were present to assist development, with the rest viewing them as adversaries.

In summary, as Sweden is called upon to respond, there remains a critical moral question about the country’s commitment to its Afghan allies. The lack of political accountability is evident, as no leaders visited Afghanistan to assess the situation firsthand during the withdrawal, reinforcing concerns over Sweden's responsibility post-mission.