In August, after 20 years of war, it took just two weeks for Afghanistan to fall to the Taliban. The U.S. military's chaotic evacuation from Kabul left many wondering what this meant for America's international reputation. Some say the shockingly quick collapse of the U.S.-backed Afghan government and the messy pullout permanently damaged American credibility. Others defend America's decision to end the war and say the debacle will be only a temporary blemish on U.S. prestige. However, many allies, as well as adversaries, say their faith in U.S. stability and reliability has also been eroded by the turbulent Trump administration and deepening domestic political divisions. Such doubts have spurred the 27 members of the European Union to consider once again creating a separate military force that would exist along with the U.S.-led NATO alliance created in 1949. The doubts have also raised concerns among some over whether the United States will stick to its pledges to condemn human rights violations by Saudi Arabia, help Taiwan resist Chinese pressure or aid Ukraine in a showdown with Russia, among other things.
