Prompt:
Was the US intervention in Afghanistan following the 9/11 terrorist attacks worth it? Why or why not?
Assignment Purpose:
This argumentative essay aims to create a well-reasoned idea to persuade a reader to agree with you or at least consider its value. For this assignment, I encourage you to start developing a strategy to synthesize your own argument (which is always at least somewhat subjective) with support from academic, well-established information (objective).
For example, arguing that civil war is evil is not wrong but also not an objective and defensible statement. You will need to provide evidence for why we should believe you that civil war is detrimental. You would also have to answer for whom it is detrimental and what you mean by it.
Context:
In 2021, the International Rescue Commission warned that, in 2022, Afghanistan would be experiencing a worsening humanitarian situation. By the end of 2019, over 7,000 US troops have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, besides around 177,000 soldiers from Afghanistan and their Middle Eastern allies from Pakistan, Iraqi, and Syria. The war cost the US about 2,313 trillion US dollars between 2001 and 2020. And the World Bank has reported an increase of poverty from 38.3 percent in 2012 to 55 percent in 2017, an increase of 5 million people.
Task:
Use the resources provided for this assignment and carefully use them to support your argument.
Clearly define what you consider worth it’
All of your arguments should be supported by the readings.
The final product:
Your essay should clearly reflect which side you argue and highlight the evidence you use to support your claim.
A successful paper will
— clearly establish an argument that does not leave the reader wondering what position is argued
— provide proper citation
— define and elaborate on key terms
— address all elements lied out in the rubric
Paper format:
Word count: 1500 words; stay within 100 words of the word count!
No direct quotes are allowed; always paraphrase
Use a standard 12-point font, double-spaced.
Provide a header, following academic standards
You must proofread your paper; papers with numerous misspelled words and grammatical mistakes make it harder on the reader and reduces the effect of your writing.
Provide proper in-text citations and a bibliography
