Kabul couple describes war's lasting destruction 25 years post-invasion

Twenty‑five years after the U.S. invaded Afghanistan, an Afghan couple shares how the war changed their lives. They spoke to StoryCorps, a program that records ordinary people’s memories, on the anniversary of the first U.S. airstrike that began the conflict. The interview took place in a small apartment in Kabul, where the couple has lived since before 2001.

The invasion began on 7 October 2001, after the 9/11 attacks. U.S. forces aimed to destroy al‑Qaeda bases and remove the Taliban, who had sheltered the group. The war lasted 20 years, with U.S. troops withdrawing in August 2021. The Taliban’s return created new challenges for civilians. The couple’s story shows how the war’s violence, shortages and political shifts affected everyday life.

They remember the first bombing raid as a shock. Their home was damaged and they lost several family members. They had to move from district to district to avoid fighting. During the occupation, they saw new schools and hospitals appear, but also heard about corruption and the Taliban’s strict rules. In 2021, when the U.S. left, they felt relief and fear at the same time. They worry about security and basic services, and they hope for a future where children can learn freely. The couple’s narrative is one of resilience, but also of the long‑term cost of war.

Their story matters because it reminds policymakers and the public that the war’s effects linger. The U.S. and allies now face the task of supporting refugees and rebuilding a fragile nation. The couple hopes for international aid and for a stable government that protects human rights. Their voice adds a human face to the statistics and reminds everyone that the war’s legacy will be felt for generations.