The U.S. Department of State reports that British forces invaded Afghanistan in 1838 and instigated the first Anglo-Afghan war. Afghanistan’s ruler, King Shah Shujah was assassinated in 1842. At the time, British troops were massacred during their retreat from Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul. In 1878, the struggle between Britain and Afghanistan continued, and the second Anglo-Afghan war continued until 1880. During this time, a treaty was signed that allowed Britain to gain control of Afghan foreign affairs. In 1919, Emir Amunallah Khan declared Afghanistan’s independence from British influence. Following the introduction of Zahir Shah as king in 1933, Afghanistan remained a monarchy for the next forty years.
In 1953, General Mohammed Daud became Prime Minister and turned to the Soviet Union for financial support as well as military assistance. Daud introduced many social reforms in Afghanistan, such as the practice of banning women from being seen in public. These reforms changed the way women were perceived in Afghan society and gave women rights they were never able to enjoy before. According to the U.S. Department of State, Mohammed Daud was forced to resign as Prime Minister in 1963. Constitutional monarchy was introduced the following year, leading to political opposition and intense power struggles. The U.S. Department of State indicates that in 1973, Mohammed Daud seized power and declared a republic in Afghanistan, forcing King Zahir Shah, out of power. In 1978, Mohammed Daud was overthrown and killed by his opposition, instigating an armed revolt that rippled throughout the country.
In 1979, the Soviet army invaded Afghanistan, introducing and supporting a communist government. Contrary to the Western views on communism, this system offered the people of Afghanistan—particularly the women—more rights, freedoms, and opportunities than they had ever been given previously. Backed by the Soviets, Babrak Karmal became the new ruler in 1980. Resistance intensified as various Mujahideen groups fought against Soviet forces. The Mujahideen are known as the “freedom fighters” of Islam. These groups believe that they are experiencing Jihad, or a struggle in the path of God. By fighting against the repressive government of Afghanistan, the Mujahideen believe they are fulfilling their religious duty to fight for their freedom.
As noted by the U.S. Department of State, Mujahideen groups came together in Pakistan in 1985, and formed an alliance to fight against the Soviet forces in Afghanistan. At this time, about half of the Afghan population was estimated to be displaced by the war, with many citizens fleeing to neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Iran to escape the hardship that rocked the country and its people. In 1986, the United States began supplying the Mujahideen with money and stinger missiles, and Babrak Karmal was replaced by Mohammad Najibullah as the leader of the Soviet-supported communist government. In 1988, the United States, Afghanistan, USSR, and Pakistan signed a peace treaty, leading the Soviet Union to pull their troops out of Afghanistan and by 1989, the Soviet troops were fully withdrawn. However, a civil war continued as Mujahideen groups pushed to overthrow Mohammad Najibullah and his communist regime, which was overpowered by the Mujahideen in 1992.
In 1996, the Taliban—an Islamist militant and political cult—seized control of Kabul and introduced a newer, harder version of Islam, banning women from the workplace and instilling harsh Islamic punishments, which included amputations and stoning people to death. By 1997, the Taliban was recognized as legitimate rulers by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, as noted by the Department of State. At this time, the Taliban was gaining power and was estimated to have control of about two-thirds of Afghanistan.
In 1998, the United States launched missile strikes at suspected bases of Osama bin Laden, the founder of the Islamist militant group Al Qaeda, who was accused of bombing U.S. embassies in Africa. In 1999, the U.N. established an air embargo in an attempt to force Afghanistan to hand over Osama bin Laden for trial. In 2001, Ahmad Shah Masood, the leader of the main opposition to the Taliban, was assassinated, adding fuel to the conflict and sparking a series of further attacks between Afghanistan and the United States in the years to come.
Works Cited
“Afghanistan Background Notes.” U.S. Department of State, 2011. Web. 28 Nov 2011.
“Afghanistan Profile.” News: South Asia. BBC, 2011. Web. 28 Nov 2011.
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