parts of the afghan security forces fought bravely. but they were unable to secure the country. because ultimately, the afghan political leadership failed to stand up to the taliban and to achieve a peaceful solution that afghans desperately wanted. there is a failure of afghan leadership led to the tragedy we are witnessing today. —— this failure of afghan leadership. at the same time, we need to have an honest clear eyed assessment of nato's own engagement in afghanistan. despite our considerable investment and a sacrifice over two decades, the collapse was swift and sudden. there are many lessons to be learned. but we should also recognise the gains we should also recognise the gains we have made. nato allies and