The U.S. and Australian invasion of Afghanistan an unmitigated disaster – 18 August 2021

The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) reiterates the call made two decades ago in 2001 by millions of people around the world and here in Australia: war is not the answer and will only lead to devastation.

Invoking the ANZUS Treaty in the wake of the September 11 attacks, former Prime Minister John Howard took Australia into a bloody and disastrous war in Afghanistan without a vote from Parliament.

Twenty years of the disastrous war in Afghanistan has led to:

IPAN calls of Australia to pursue an independent and peaceful foreign policy to prevent the travesty that was the invasion of Afghanistan from repeating.

IPAN spokesperson, Bevan Ramsden said: “IPAN calls on the Government to pursue an independent and peaceful foreign policy, especially following the recent events in Afghanistan.”

“While Australia cannot undo the 20 years of war it was a part of, it can immediately increase and expedite its humanitarian visa intake to the tens of thousands of people fleeing the country, especially, women, Hazaras, Sikhs, Hindus, Shias, members of LGBT community and members of civil society.”

“It is time our political leaders learned the lessons of history, time to re-examine the ANZUS Treaty that drew us into this war. We must evaluate the costs and consequences of this alliance and question whether its continuance is in the best interests of security and peace for the Australian people.”

“After a generation of violence, the Taliban have returned to power in Afghanistan. This conflict is a sobering reminder of the futility of war.”