Twenty years after the US invasion of Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks, the Afghan people have emerged as the greatest victims, suffering from insecurity, instability, economic crisis, migration, and loss of life. Despite the establishment of democratic institutions and legal reforms post-9/11, these gains were lost with the Taliban's return to power. Some Afghans believe the 9/11 attacks were a pre-planned scenario by the US to justify a war against Islamic terror. The assassination of Ahmed Shah Massoud two days before 9/11 and the lack of US retaliation against Saudi Arabia or Pakistan, despite evidence suggesting their involvement, are cited as part of the conspiracy.