The terrorist attacks on September 11 instigate a world-wide response to terrorism. Although none of the hijackers were Afghan, the Taliban in Afghanistan are widely believed to be sympathectic to al-Qaeda.
Comprising of U.S and British Forces, 'Operation Enduring Freedom' begins, and Afghanistan is invaded
U.S lead forces take over various Taliban strongholds and place a high degree of pressure upon the Capital, Kabul, which leads the Taliban to abandon the city. Support for the war improves after this Victory is announced.
Hamid Karzai becomes the first president of "Post-Taliban" Afghanistan. The decision is made amongst Afghan opposition groups and the US-led international community in Bonn, Germany. The Taliban were notable not invited to this event.
The Afghan National Army (ANA) begins training, with heavy assistance and support from the U.S. Once the West withdraws, the ANA will be responsible for the security of Afghanistan.
First parliamentary and provincial elections in 30 years are held. Elections are notable for being much less corrupt and less vote coercion than what was expected.
Around this time, surverys show for the first time that the public majority are against the Afghanistan War, citing it as prolonged and ineffective. Although the data only shows roughly 55% in opposition, this is the first time that credible surveys find a majority of the population in opposition to Afghanistan.
By the end of 2014, the ANA will be responsible for the security of it's own country. This also signifies a rough withdrawal date for both U.S and Australian forces. However, this agreement is not set in stone, and might be reconsidered before the deadline is reached.
Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Ladin is announced dead, killed by elite U.S forces. One of the major objectives of The Afghanistan War is achieved. Notably, Bin Ladin was not killed in Afghanistan, but in Pakistan.
2013 March - Two former Kabul Bank chiefs, Sherkhan Farnood and Khalilullah Ferozi, are jailed for the multi-million dollar fraud that almost led to both the bank's collapse and the entire Afghan banking system in 2010. This signifies that law and order is becoming stronger in Afghanistan, and that citizens are becoming accountable for their corruption and crimes.
Under Operation Slipper, Australia enters Afghanistan roughly a month after the U.S, contributing aircraft and troops.
During this month, Australian special forces are withdrawn, with all soldiers returning to Australia. However, Australia continues to support Afghanistan financially and strategically.
Australian soldiers and special forces return to Afghanistan. This signifies that the situation has deteriorated significantly, as an end to fighting was expected when Australia initially withdrew in late 2002.
Australia begins to help re-build Afghanistan, in addition to the financial and military support it already gives.
Number of Australian troops deployed in Afghanistan reaches 1,000.
Command of Provincial Reconstruction Team passed to Australian and US forces after Dutch troops withdraw. As other countries begin to withdraw after more than 8 years in Afghanistan, Australia continues to fight and attempt to re-construct the country.
By the end of 2013, or during the first quarter of 2014, Australia plans to have withdrawn from the U.S. However, given previous delays and re-enters into combat, this seems unlikely.