Washington’s longest war ----------------------------- 1979-89, Soviet invasion: U.S. President Jimmy Carter, (right) with help of Britain and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), supports Afghan mujahideen – including militant Islamic groups from Arab states – during guerrilla war against Red Army ----------------------------- 1990s, Civil War: Taliban emerges following Soviet invasion ----------------------------- 1996: Backed by ISI, Taliban seizes power and imposes ruthless brand of Sharia law, with oppression of women ----------------------------- 1998: Taliban provides base for Osama bin Laden (inset) and Al Qaeda, which attacks U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, killing 224 people ----------------------------- 2000: Al Qaeda attacks USS Cole in Yemeni port of Aden ----------------------------- May 2011: U.S. kills bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan ----------------------------- 2017: President Donald Trump (right) pledges to end what he calls “ridiculous endless wars” ----------------------------- 2018: Trump deploys additional 3,500 U.S. troops to Afghanistan ----------------------------- 2020: Trump strikes deal with Taliban to remove all sanctions against insurgents, release 5,000 Taliban prisoners and withdraw all U.S. and allied forces within 14 months. In exchange, Taliban to cut ties with Al Qaeda. Deal excludes Afghan government. ----------------------------- 2009-11: U.S. President Barack Obama (left) orders temporary surge in forces to 140,000 in bid to pressure Taliban into peace talks. Taliban holds out ----------------------------- 2001: 9/11 terror attacks kill 2,977 people. U.S. President George W. Bush (right) declares “war on terror.” U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan topples Taliban, which finds safe haven in Pakistan ----------------------------- 2003, Iraq invasion: Bush administration’s obsession with Iraq leaves its Afghan strategy adrift ----------------------------- 2001-21: Coalition suffers over 3,500 fatalities. U.S. spends $140bn in aid plus $820bn for U.S. combat and support for Afghan forces ----------------------------- 2021: President Joe Biden (right) takes office, proceeds with troop withdrawal against advice of military leaders ----------------------------- Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters Pictures: Associated Press, Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS