4.6 - Afghanistan

Question 1

Afghanistan brief summary of history

Answer 1

• 1979 Revolution - state-atheism + Marxist policies - banned beards, closed mosques, had deals with USSR (economic, military)
• 1979 - Soviet Invasion - Afghan Muslims join Mujahideen who try to overthrow Amin (state-atheism leader) - Soviet Military Assistance Programme aimed to ensure Islamic influence didnt spread into nearby Soviet Republics
• 50,000 USSR troops deployed to defeat Mujahedeen - USA funds, trains + supplies Mujahadeen
• Soviet withdrawal then civil war begins
• 1994 - establishment + growth of Taliban - 1996, takeover Kabul
• Taliban control of country - negative impact on HRs, especially for women

Question 2

How much international aid received?

Answer 2

$6.47 billion

Question 3

What military intervention took place?

Answer 3

• Air strikes against Taliban and Al-Qaeda bases
• Special Forces worked with Northern Alliance troops on the ground
• Training Afghan military

Question 4

How long was the military presence for and what happened after they withdrew?

Answer 4

20 years (2001-2021), Taliban quickly resurged - withdrawal of foreign aid from many countries