Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a long history of richness in culture and religion. It has also been riddled with decades of conflict and political turmoil. In 1979 the Soviet Union deployed over 100,000 troops into Afghanistan.

In response to the invasion and as part of a larger Cold War strategy, the United States ramped up its funding to mujahedeen fighters opposed to the Soviets. The invasion and ensuing occupation resulted in over 870,000 Afghan casualties. Millions more fled the country or were internally displaced.

At the end of the Cold War in 1989 the Soviets withdrew their forces after failing to gain a clear military victory. This was seen as an immense ideological victory for the United States.

After the Soviet Union withdrew its forces, international aid to Afghanistan dwindled and failed to support reconstruction efforts. This resulted in years of instability and internal conflict between the various mujahedeen factions. During this conflict the Taliban emerged as a politico-religious force, which eventually seized Kabul and established an Islamic government. They ruled from 1996-2001.

After the attacks on September 11, 2001 the United States launched Operation Enduring Freedom. The military campaign has sought to root out Al-Qaeda, which claimed responsibility for the Sept. 11 attacks, and to overthrow the Taliban government, which was harboring Al-Qaeda militants. Eight years have passed and Afghanistan remains in a state of turmoil. The lives of ordinary Afghans continue to be threatened by food shortages, deteriorating security, military operations, the drug trade, corruption, persistent poverty, uncoordinated international actors and weak governance.