Sureyya YIGIT, PhD^

Abstract. Since the September 11^th terrorist attacks heralded a new phase in the post-Cold War international arena, Afghanistan has emerged as an integral piece of the international effort to combat terrorism. Heading the effort was the United States, which intended to end the domination and control of Afghanistan by the Taliban. Whilst initial military efforts proved to be successful, the establishment of a democratic government possessing nationwide powers and enjoying widespread legitimacy proved to be more challenging. President Obama desired to return the US military as early as possible whilst maximizing stability in Afghanistan. President Trump considers the matter mainly from a military point of view, disregarding internal economic and political developments. This article compares the two differing foreign policies implemented by the United States in the past decade.

Keywords: US Foreign Policy, Afghanistan, Central Asia, War on Terror