1. DO NOW Q’s Brainstorm: What do you know about Afghanistan? Where is it located? What countries is it near? What do you know about the Middle East? What do you know about the Muslim religion? What have you heard or read in the news, magazines, newspapers, on TV?

2. WHERE IN THE WORLD IS AFGHANISTAN?

3. AFGHANISTAN

7. About the same size as Texas

8. TIMELINE: AFGHANISTAN’S HISTORY 1747 Founding of modern-day Afghanistan 1813-1907 British and Russian Empires battle for power & control 1919 Afghanistan becomes a fully independent state ruled by King Amunallah Khan 1929 Amunallah forced to abdicate throne 1929-1933 King Nadir Shah in power, assassinated 1933-1973 King Zahir Shah (Nadir’s son) comes to power; introduced a new constitution 1973 Daoud Khan overthrows monarchy & becomes first President of Afghanistan 1978 People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) kill Daoud & his family; overthrow government

9. TIMELINE CONT’D 1979-1989 Soviet occupation 1992 Soviet Union collapses, PDPA loses power, temporary gov. put in place 1996-2001 Taliban in power; Al-Qaida (run by Osama bin Laden) formed to defeat United Front/Northern Alliance September 9, 2001 Last leader of the United Front assassinated September 11, 2001 Terrorist attacks on the US October 2001 Operation Enduring Freedom December 2001 Taliban rule ends; Hamid Karzai named President 2002 Rebuilding of Afghanistan 2010 Karzai reaches out to Taliban for peace talks

10. AFGHANISTAN’S CULTURE Has existed for over two millennia Nomadic & tribal society – each tribe has unique traditions Multi-ethnic & multi- lingual society – 2 official languages, so bilingualism is common – At least 13 ethnic groups Afghan people take great pride in: – Culture – Nation – Ancestry – Independence – Religion 99% population is Muslim Afghan people are known for: – High regard for personal honor – Tribal loyalty – Willingness to use force to settle disagreements

11. What do you think life is like for these children? Imagine if you were growing up in Afghanistan…

12. Women praying outside the Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif (north of Kabul)

13. Men praying outside mosque in Herat Based on these last two images… What words/phrases come to mind that could describe the Afghan people?

14. KABUL Is this what you picture when you imagine Afghanistan? Point out elements you did not expect to see/things that surprised you.