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Last days of Afghanistan in 2021 Pt. 1 - General Sami Sadat

In this series the situation around the fall of Afghanistan in on 15/31 August 2021 shall be analysed.

Part 1 - Sami Sadat

Sayed Sami Sadat is a former Afghan General/Commander (13 July 2021 – 15 August 2021) of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and chairman of the Afghanistan United Front (AUF), a political organization that is leading an opposition against the Taliban. He lives in the USA and is fluent in Persian (Dari), English, Arabic, and Pashto. He published his book "The Last Commander: The Once and Future Battle for Afghanistan".

Sami Sadat during his time as Afghan Commander of the ANA - 2021

On 25 September 2025 the US website Military Times published an article titled "Meet the Afghan general who wants to take on the Taliban". This article introduces former Afghan Lt. Gen. Sami Sadat, who now resides in Mason Neck, Virginia. Sadat has founded the Afghanistan United Front (AUF), an organization aimed at unifying Afghans to restore constitutional order in Afghanistan, following the Taliban's takeover in 2021. His home displays the flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, which has not been flown in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control.

Sadat gained international notoriety for his role during the final days of the Afghan government, as depicted in the 2022 documentary "Retrograde." His memoir, "The Last Commander," reveals his contentious relationships with Afghan leadership and U.S. military officials, whom he felt undermined Afghan forces, especially during negotiations leading to the U.S. withdrawal. He critiques the Doha Agreement for limiting Afghan military capabilities just as they were experiencing victories against the Taliban.

The AUF seeks to unify military efforts against the Taliban, sharing some goals with the National Resistance Front (NRF) led by Ahmad Massoud but emphasizing the need for constitutional adherence and progressive governance. Sadat believes he can mobilize significant support among Afghan military forces and potential recruits angry with the Taliban's oppressive rule.

Sadat stresses the urgency of addressing the threat posed by the Taliban, warning that their resurgence threatens global security, and encourages the U.S. to support his efforts rather than waiting until violence reaches America. While the timing of a counteroffensive remains uncertain, Sadat plans to use an upcoming book tour to gather resources and increase awareness for the AUF's mission, emphasizing their intention to act independently in their fight against the Taliban.

Analysis

The article titled "Meet the Afghan general who wants to take on the Taliban" provides a multidimensional look at former Afghan Lt. Gen. Sami Sadat, his aspirations for Afghanistan, and his organization, the Afghanistan United Front (AUF). Set against a backdrop of rural Virginia—an unexpected locale for an Afghan general—the article juxtaposes Sadat’s personal history and ambitions with the broader geopolitical ramifications of his efforts.

Key Themes

1. Symbolic Representation: The article opens with an evocative image of Sadat's mansion flying the flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, an emblem of a government that has not existed since the Taliban took control in 2021. This symbolism is crucial, establishing Sadat as not only a military leader but also a custodian of a vision for Afghanistan's return to a democratic order. It represents resilience and defiance against the Taliban's regime.

2. Controversial Leadership: Sadat portrays himself as a polarizing figure, navigating complex relationships with both Afghan leadership and U.S. military partners. His memoir “The Last Commander” highlights this duality, revealing a man who is both passionate about Afghan sovereignty and contentious in his dealings. This tension provides insights into the fraught dynamics that characterized the Afghan military's relationship with its international allies, which Sadat argues were often undermined by political decisions beyond the battlefield.

3. Frustration and Betrayal: Sadat’s narrative reflects a deep sense of betrayal following the Doha Agreement between the Taliban and the U.S. He describes feeling undermined and abandoned at pivotal moments leading to the fall of Kabul, showcasing how the decisions of foreign powers critically impacted Afghan military capabilities. His personal anecdotes of emotional distress during the withdrawal resonate with broader sentiments among Afghan allies who felt left behind.

4. Grassroots Mobilization: The article emphasizes Sadat's belief in the potential for grassroots mobilization against the Taliban. He sees an opportunity to rally not just ex-military personnel but also new recruits disillusioned by the Taliban's oppressive rule. This call to arms indicates his confidence in the latent desire for change among ordinary Afghans, even amidst despair.

5. U.S. Policy Critique: Sadat is not merely a fighter; he is also a critic of U.S. foreign policy regarding Afghanistan. His perspectives on President Biden’s decisions highlight a broader debate about accountability and the consequences of military interventions. He warns that failing to confront the Taliban could have global repercussions, thereby framing his struggle as one not only for Afghanistan but also for international stability.

Strategic Plans

The article notes that while Sadat is ambitious in his goals for the AUF, he faces significant challenges, including a lack of clear timelines and resources. His upcoming book tour is aimed at raising awareness and garnering support, serving as a strategic move to expand his influence and ability to mobilize. He recognizes that any meaningful challenge to the Taliban requires adequate preparation and support.

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, Sadat’s story embodies the complexities of Afghan resistance to the Taliban and the enduring connections that bind Afghan leaders to their country, regardless of where they find themselves. His call for a return to a constitutional order and his willingness to fight expose the ongoing struggle for identity and governance in Afghanistan.

The article also illustrates the critical nexus of local resistance and international policy, suggesting that solutions to conflicts like Afghanistan’s are not solely dependent on military might but also on understanding the social and political dynamics at play. Sadat’s perspective challenges readers to consider the long-term implications of U.S. withdrawal and the moral responsibility that comes with past engagements in foreign conflicts.

In conclusion, "Meet the Afghan general who wants to take on the Taliban" not only profiles a determined leader seeking to reclaim his nation’s future but also serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of political agreements and the enduring fight for freedom and self-determination among oppressed populations.


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