Washington, D.C. — In the wake of the U.S. military’s tumultuous exit from Afghanistan, many veterans, including Thomas Kasza, have turned their focus toward the Afghan allies who once fought beside them. As the Taliban regained power, those former allies found themselves in peril, facing systematic threats in a country they had once served to protect.
Many Afghans who collaborated with U.S. forces became prime targets for the Taliban, and staying in Afghanistan often equated to a death warrant. “These individuals were among those most at risk due to their direct association with U.S. military efforts,” Kasza remarked. As a result, numerous veterans took it upon themselves to assist these Afghan allies in navigating the complex processes of resettlement in the United States.
The recent tragic shooting of two National Guard members in D.C. has ignited new concerns among these veterans. An Afghan, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who had previously worked with a CIA-backed unit, has been charged in the incident that led to the death of Sarah Beckstrom and left Andrew Wolfe critically injured. The shooting has prompted a wave of scrutiny and fear, especially within the Afghan community.
In response to this incident, the Trump administration took immediate steps to impose stricter regulations on Afghan refugees, placing a sudden halt to asylum applications and visa processing. The former president subsequently labeled many of the Afghans in the U.S. as “criminals,” which has riled the veterans advocating for their former partners. “To group all Afghans who aided us under that label is unjust,” stated veteran Ben Hoffman, emphasizing the bond formed during the war.
Veterans like Dave Elliott expressed concern for the psychological state of their Afghan allies, many of whom are now living in anxiety over their safety and status in America. “They are scared of being sent back to a life of retribution,” noted Elliott, who, alongside Kasza, co-founded a nonprofit aiding these Afghans. These individuals had risked their lives alongside U.S. forces, often undertaking perilous missions to clear roads of explosive devices.
Lakanwal, facing multiple charges including murder, has pled not guilty. His reported struggles to provide for his family and mental health issues may shed light on the complexities faced by many Afghans in a new country without robust support systems. Geeta Bakshi, a former CIA officer, underscored this sentiment, expressing her dismay that the actions of one could taint the lives of many. “They put themselves in harm’s way for us,” she said, referencing the overwhelming risks these Afghans faced.
The challenges for Afghan immigrants extend beyond mere safety concerns. Many of those who assisted U.S. forces have found themselves trapped in legal limbo, with work authorizations and visa processes stalled. As a result of new regulatory changes, the pressure intensifies on those still waiting for their applications to be approved.
Advocates emphasize the ongoing mental health struggles faced by these former allies, many of whom exhibit signs of trauma comparable to U.S. veterans. The transition to life in America has been fraught with difficulties, compounded by a lack of access to mental health resources. “Many of these individuals bear psychological scars,” said Bakshi, speaking to the toll of war on both Afghan veterans and their American counterparts.
Kasza voiced a broader concern that current treatment of Afghan allies could jeopardize future military partnerships. “If potential allies see the U.S. as unreliable, that may hinder cooperation in future missions,” he warned.
In this delicate juncture, the fate of Afghan allies remains uncertain, influenced not just by individual actions but by a wider system grappling with complex geopolitical repercussions and moral responsibility.