Photographs by

Text by Rod Nordland and

Feb. 29, 2020

Soon after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the United States military’s attention turned to Afghanistan, where Al Qaeda’s leaders were based. Many knew an invasion was sure to come.

What no one knew was that Operation Enduring Freedom, the invasion to rout Al Qaeda and its hosts, the Taliban, would turn into a war that is now in its 19th year — America’s longest.

It has vexed three American presidencies and outlasted 13 American military commanders. It has also opened a window, for much of the world, onto a country where modernity still clashes with ancient customs and religious edicts.

Here, in chronological order, are images showing the long arc of the war, as seen through the eyes of New York Times photographers.