What Did the U.S. Get for $2 Trillion in Afghanistan?
Share
[aggregation-styles]
The New York Times Subscription
The New York Times Subscription
All told, the cost of nearly 18 years of war in Afghanistan will amount to more than $2 trillion. Was the money well spent?
There is little to show for it. The Taliban control much of the country. Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest sources of refugees and migrants. More than 2,400 American soldiers and more than 38,000 Afghan civilians have died.
Still, life has improved, particularly in the country’s cities, where opportunities for education have grown. Many more girls are now in school. And democratic institutions have been built — although they are shaky at best.
Drawing on estimates from Brown University’s Costs of War Project, we assessed how much the United States spent on different aspects of the war and whether that spending achieved its aims.
There is little to show for it. The Taliban control much of the country. Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest sources of refugees and migrants. More than 2,400 American soldiers and more than 38,000 Afghan civilians have died.
Still, life has improved, particularly in the country’s cities, where opportunities for education have grown. Many more girls are now in school. And democratic institutions have been built — although they are shaky at best.
Drawing on estimates from Brown University’s Costs of War Project, we assessed how much the United States spent on different aspects of the war and whether that spending achieved its aims.
By Sarah Almukhtar and Rod Nordland | 9 Dec 2019
RELATED TOPICS:
Top Brazilian Judge Orders Suspension of X Platform in Brazil Amid Feud With Musk
Politics /
23 hours ago
How a Real Estate Boom Drove Political Corruption in Los Angeles
Crime /
1 day ago
Palestinian TikTok Star Who Shared Details of Gaza Life Under Siege Is Killed by Israeli Airstrike
World /
1 day ago
Visalia Rawhide and City Agree on Terms to Upgrade Stadium
Sports /
1 day ago
Latest
Videos
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/16183042/Eagles-vs-49ers.jpg)
Sports /
9 hours ago
Bettors Banking on Eagles Resurgence, Cowboys Regression as NFL Season Begins
![A black poodle's face with his tongue sticking out](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/29135336/Rescued-from-an-abandoned-home-after-weeks-of-fending-for-himself-Adam-a-shy-but-sweet-poodle-mix-is-now-seeking-a-loving-forever-home.-Mells-Mutts-1024x538.jpg)
Animals /
11 hours ago
Abandoned Poodle Mix Adam Survives the Wild and Seeks a Forever Home
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30180712/AP24242759968532-1024x576.jpg)
Politics /
23 hours ago
Top Brazilian Judge Orders Suspension of X Platform in Brazil Amid Feud With Musk
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30151423/shutterstock_1654933633-copy-1024x576.jpg)
Crime /
1 day ago
How a Real Estate Boom Drove Political Corruption in Los Angeles
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/28091346/082824-Lede-1024x576.jpg)
Housing /
3 days ago