Talk:List of wars involving Afghanistan

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WP:COLOR

I have little opinion on the colors used in the table, but I made changes to make them at least compliant with WCAG. Change them around all you like, but please follow the proper guidelines to ensure maximum visibility and legibility for those with less sharp eyes (like me). Drmies (talk) 17:15, 4 October 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Proposed changes to victory/defeat/inconclusive

I find the changes proposed by @Patasaunii7 to be factually incorrect and I don't think the changes should stand (I am looking at this diff specifically).

The first change, making the result of Afghan–Sikh Wars inconclusive, I don't understand. By looking at the article it looks like the Durrani Empire lost territory and the Sikhs gained territory, for example Kashmir being lost after the Battle of Shopian.

The second change, removing the result of Second Anglo-Afghan War (victory) doesn't really make sense to me. The war article has four citations supporting a British victory, for one. For another, the treaty was most certainly a loss (ceded frontier areas) and Afghanistan was made into a protectorate. That is nothing but a British Victory.

The third change, changing the outcome of Third Anglo-Afghan War to victory from inconclusive is incorrect- yes the Afghans secured independence and a diplomatic victory however the British confirmed the Durrand Line as the border.

I appreciate Patasaunii7's good faith willingness to edit but I don't see any justification for the changes. Note: the burden to demonstrate verifiability lies with the editor that adds material. Danre98^{(talk^contribs)} 17:05, 8 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

No source claimed Sikh victory ie. gaining territory does not equal victory.

The British failed to receive the control of the internal affairs of Afghanistan, had to pay a subsidy for that protection, full military withdrawal planned prior to agreement and occurred after agreement, British resident prevented from staying in Kabul. Thus, the outcome is referred to in the treaty rather than outright victory.

Aim of the Afghans was to get independence - achieved - thus, victory Patasaunii7 (talk) 17:26, 8 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry, a lot of my first post was original research. I do think an inconclusive result could make sense for the Sikh wars- or none at all. In the article the result is listed for each phase- not "victory" or "defeat" and I could not find a source to support either.

However, here is one source that has the second anglo-afghan war as a victory: ^[1] Also, the treaty occurred after phase one of the war and listing that as the result excludes the Second phase.

I also have another source that lists anglo-afghan 3 as inconclusive: ^[2] Here's another source that says both sides claimed victory: ^[3] If both sides claimed victory, then listing it as inconclusive seems appropriate. Listing it as a British strategic & tactical victory and an Afghan diplomatic victory might be a viable alternative, although that is wordy. Also, how do you know the aim of the Afghans was independence (do you have a source)?

References

^ Schmidt, Karl J. (1995). An Atlas and Survey of South Asian History. M.E. Sharpe. p. 74. ISBN 978-1563243332. British forces were victorious and Sher Ali was deposed
^ "Anglo-Afghan Wars". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 8 August 2021. This declaration launched the inconclusive Third Anglo-Afghan War in May 1919.
^ "Third Anglo-Afghan War". Duke University Library Exhibits. Retrieved 8 August 2021. The war was ended by the Treaty of Rawalpindi, with both sides claiming a measure of victory – the Afghans successfully asserting their right to conduct their own foreign affairs (one of the first acts of which was to recognize the new Bolshevik government in Russia), and the British re-establishing the ante bellum border and discontinuing their subsidy to the Amir.

In summary, your first change might be fine but I respectfully disagree with your second and third changes (supported by sources). Danre98^{(talk^contribs)} 18:11, 8 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

[1] Schmidt, Karl J. (1995). An Atlas and Survey of South Asian History. M.E. Sharpe. p. 74. ISBN 978-1563243332. British forces were victorious and Sher Ali was deposed

[2] "Anglo-Afghan Wars". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 8 August 2021. This declaration launched the inconclusive Third Anglo-Afghan War in May 1919.

[3] "Third Anglo-Afghan War". Duke University Library Exhibits. Retrieved 8 August 2021. The war was ended by the Treaty of Rawalpindi, with both sides claiming a measure of victory – the Afghans successfully asserting their right to conduct their own foreign affairs (one of the first acts of which was to recognize the new Bolshevik government in Russia), and the British re-establishing the ante bellum border and discontinuing their subsidy to the Amir.

[1]

[2]

[3]