1. Afghanistan: A Nation Without Peace

2. “The Great Game” In the 1800s Russia and Britain wanted to control the region. Only to deny it to the other The locals were hostile to anyone who tried to claim lordship over them

3. Independence 1919 – Afghanistan declares independence from Great Britain. 1933 - Zahir Shah declares himself king and Afghanistan remains a monarchy for next four decades.

4. The Cold War Encroaches Just as in the 1800s Afghanistan becomes a pawn in the Great Game - this time between the USSR and the United States. 1953 - 1963 - General Mohammed Daud rules as prime minister. Turns to Soviet Union for economic and military assistance. 1973 - Mohammed Daud deposes Shah and declares a republic. Tries to play off USSR against Western powers.

6. Charlie Wilson’s War 1978 - General Daud is overthrown and killed in a coup. Pro USSR elements try to form a government. 1979 - December - Soviet Red Army invades and props up communist government. United States offers financial and military support anti communist elements. (Mujahideen)

7. Religious Fundamentalism In 1991, the Taliban is formed by Mullah Omar in Kandahar. Religious zealots in the Middle East form an organisation to fight against the godless communists. Call themselves Al Qeada Leadership develops around wealthy Saudi Osama Bin Laden

8. Time of Troubles In 1988, the USSR announces that that they will be pulling out of Afghanistan Pro communist government holds on until 1992. Afghan political parties sign the Peshawar Accords which established the Islamic State of Afghanistan and appointed an interim government. 1992 – 1996 – country is divided under Taliban or Northern Alliance control

9. 1996 - Taliban seize control of Kabul and established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan based on hard-line version of Islam. In response the United Front is created by Ahmad Shah Massoud and Abdul Rashid Dostum as a resistance force against the Taliban. The United Front consists of 5 independent armies and leaders.

10. The Present Crisis 1997 – 2001 - Taliban recognised as legitimate rulers by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The rest of the world pulls away. 2001 -Ahmad Shah Masood, leader of the main opposition to the Taliban - the Northern Alliance - is assassinated and days later Al Quadea attacks US. The United States supports the Northern Alliance to topple the Taliban. Hamid Karzai is sworn in as head of an interim power- sharing government.

11. 2002 - The United States and NATO forces invade to get rid of Al Queda as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Taliban government falls. 2002 – Present – Al Queda and Taliban forces are pushed in hiding or to Pakistan. The war continues…