afghanistan. background historically, afghanistan fought the british colonialists for its...
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AFGHANISTAN
BACKGROUND
Historically, Afghanistan fought the British colonialists for its independence
Ruled by a shah, or king, from 1933-1973
Communists took control in 1978
Multi ethnic, multi lingual country
85% Sunni Muslim, 15% Shia Muslim
SOVIET INVASION
To protect the communist government, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979
There was a bloody war from 1979-1989
During this time, the United States sent billions in cash and weapons to the mujahedeen fighters battling the Soviet Union
CIVIL WAR
After the Soviet Union withdrew, the country fell into civil war
After time, a group called the Taliban grew in power and controlled most of the country
The Taliban were mostly from the Pashtun ethnic group, had fought against the Soviet Union, most were uneducated and impoverished
TALIBAN RULE
Under the Taliban, women: Must wear a burqa outside their home Must wear a burqa inside if a male is present May not attend school Must do all the household chores Must not talk or laugh in public Must not travel without a man or a man’s
permission
For all people: No TV No toys No music No photographs No clapping No dancing No computers
BUDDHAS OF BAMIYAN
Huge, ancient carvings of Buddha in Afghanistan
In March 2001, the Taliban blew the statues up, saying they encouraged the worship of idols
AL QAEDA
Beginning in 1996, Afghanistan began to provide a haven and training ground for Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden
Al Qaeda is an extremist, Sunni Muslim terrorist group
Taliban troops trained alongside of Al Qaeda
POST 9/11
After 9/11, the USA demanded bin Laden be handed over and Afghanistan stop providing a haven for al-Qaeda
The Taliban refused, and the USA invaded Afghanistan
Bush Doctrine: The USA would preemptively attack countries that supported and harbored terrorists
2001 TO PRESENT
The United States enlisted the help of the groups that fought against the Taliban, and initially beat them back
In recent years, the Taliban has made a comeback, helped by allies in Pakistan
The Taliban controls territory on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border
CONTINUING ISSUES
Stopping Taliban advances and preserving democracy and freedom
Afghanistan produces most of the world’s opium, which is refined into heroin
Afghanistan sits atop $1 trillion worth of mineral resources
A proposed oil pipeline from the Caspian Sea through Afghanistan to the Indian Ocean