The chaotic U.S. exit from Afghanistan that began Aug. 15 has resulted in the abandonment of hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals who face imminent violence at the hands of the Taliban. While the promotion of women’s rights served as a justification for the U.S. military intervention, as can be seen from first lady Laura Bush’s November 2001 radio address, it is Afghan women who were most hurt by the brutal fallout of war, military occupation and now uncertain aftermath.