Norwegian Commission: Afghanistan Mission Fell Short of Objectives

A new report by an independent commission in Norway has concluded that the country’s nearly two-decade-long involvement in Afghanistan failed to achieve its key objectives. However, the mission provided valuable lessons for the future of Norwegian foreign and security policy.

The report, prepared by the “Afghanistan Commission,” reviews Norway’s engagement in Afghanistan from 2015 to 2021. It covers the country’s military role, development aid, the 2021 evacuation operation, and efforts in the peace process. The commission was chaired by Bjørn Tore Godal, Norway’s former foreign and defense minister.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, speaking at the report’s unveiling, emphasized that the findings highlight both the deep suffering of the Afghan people and the shortcomings of the international community, especially between 2015 and 2021. He noted that the experience offers critical insights for improving responses to future international crises.

Norway’s Ministry of Defense expressed gratitude for the efforts of its military personnel in Afghanistan, stating that their experience has strengthened the country’s defense capacity. Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram acknowledged that while the mission’s goals were not fully realized, the courage and dedication of Norway’s special forces, police, diplomats, and medical staff in the field were commendable.

According to the report, over 10,000 Norwegian personnel—including military forces, diplomats, and judicial staff—served in Afghanistan under NATO operations and in coordination with the United States. It also revealed that Norwegian special forces, in collaboration with Afghan elite police units, prevented 46 major attacks in Kabul, saving many civilian lives.

The 2021 emergency evacuation was cited as one of Norway’s most challenging operations. Amid the collapse of the Afghan government and Taliban takeover of Kabul, Norway managed to evacuate more than 1,100 individuals safely to Norwegian territory.

The Commission of Donor Countries warned that excessive focus on dialogue with the Taliban at times undermined peace efforts. Nevertheless, the foreign minister stressed that maintaining communication with all parties remains crucial for achieving lasting peace.

A key concern outlined in the report is the situation of Afghan women and girls following the Taliban’s resurgence. Norway reaffirmed that supporting women’s rights has been a core principle of its Afghanistan policy and pledged to continue backing Afghan women and girls.

In conclusion, the report emphasized that building a stable, democratic system in a country like Afghanistan from the outside is extremely difficult, if not impossible—a reality that future policies must take into account.