This Is What Winning Looks Like (2013)
This Is What Winning Looks Like: a stark and unflinching documentary by Ben Anderson, thrusts viewers into the heart of Afghanistan’s tumultuous landscape during the 2001–2021 War. The film meticulously unravels the complexities of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), tasked with training the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and rebuilding critical government institutions.
The Troubled Path to Victory
In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the United States spearheaded an invasion of Afghanistan, toppling the Taliban regime. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1386 laid the groundwork for a permanent Afghan government and the establishment of ISAF. This multinational force, led by NATO, aimed to empower the ANSF and reconstruct vital infrastructure. By 2010, the US dominated ISAF’s ranks, with all NATO members contributing troops.
Beneath the Surface
Anderson’s lens pierces the surface, revealing a far-from-smooth transition. The documentary, set in December 2012, exposes a web of disconcerting realities:
- Bacha Bazi: A cultural practice that shatters innocence. Afghan police commanders and other men sexually abuse and exploit young boys. The film captures the horror of this hidden epidemic, where innocence is sacrificed at the altar of power.
- Drug Epidemic: Opiates and marijuana grip the nation. The very forces meant to protect succumb to addiction, their judgment clouded by substances that corrode discipline and duty.
- Corruption: The Afghan security apparatus is rife with corruption. Skimming ammunition, siphoning fuel, and claiming vehicles for personal gain—these practices erode trust and undermine the mission.
- Insider Threats: Double agents and infiltrators lurk within the ANSF. Their allegiance is murky, and their actions jeopardize the safety of both Afghan civilians and coalition forces.
- False Imprisonment: Afghan officials imprison innocent individuals without due process. Justice is elusive, and accountability remains a distant dream.
The Mirage of Success
While soldiers on the ground grapple with these harsh realities, American and British officials spin a different narrative. They broadcast messages of success, painting a picture of progress. But Major Bill Steuber, a United States Marine leading the police advisory team, knows better. He exposes the rampant corruption—ammunition pilferage, fuel theft, and misuse of resources.
The title of the film, borrowed from US General John R. Allen, echoes with irony. What does winning truly look like in this war-torn theater? Beneath the veneer of official statements lies a battlefield where innocence is violated, addiction festers, and justice remains elusive.
This Is What Winning Looks Like serves as a haunting reminder that victory is not always measured in territory gained or flags planted. It lies in the lives touched, the wounds healed, and the truth revealed. As the Afghan sands shift, the question lingers: Can we redefine victory beyond the mirage of official pronouncements?
