1. The Kite Runner The Taliban Video Notes

2. The Taliban  Afghans defeat the USSR in 1989.  Soviets leave a weak communist govt. when they withdraw.  Experts say U.S. should have armed ALL groups to fight out control rather than just the extremists.  U.S. distracted by fall of Berlin Wall, crisis in Soviet Union, and invasion of Kuwait.

3.  U.S. wanted to punish Soviets, not help Afghans.  No coherent govt. allows Taliban to take control.  U.S. says Afghans have to settle civil war for themselves.  Talib = student; Taliban = students- of-Islam-led group

4.  Taliban was initially welcomed for providing stability and security.  Mullah = holy man  Mullah Omar believes Muslims should live life as Mohammed did – strict interpretation of the Koran.  Taliban force grows from panic.

5.  Radio stations forced to broadcast Islamic law to people: no shaving, no TV/music, women must stay home.  New ally – Al Qaeda with Osama Bin Laden on run from attacks, expelled from Saudi Arabia, hiding in Sudan.  10/96: Al Qaeda attacks begin; OBL builds friendship with Mullah Omar.

6.  MO needs OBL’s $$$ - OBL needs MO’s protection.  OBL ingratiates self to Taliban.  Taliban and Al Qaeda share a sense of fighting a holy war to protect Islam from the West.

7.  1989 – two U.S. embassies bombed by Al Qaeda.  U.S. told the Taliban that they were being held responsible for the Al Qaeda’s actions, too.  Al Qaeda is stronger than Taliban; Taliban is tolerated by AQ b/c they used AQ resources.

8.  9/9/2001 – OBL agents kill Taliban opposition leader – big favor for Taliban!  U.S. wants combined North/South forces to take over Kabul, but Northern alliance rushes in first.  Tora Bora – OBL hiding in caves; U.S. forces not used to rugged terrain; OBL escapes to Pakistan

9.  Mullah Omar also disappears.  2004 – 1 st Afghan democratic election  OBL killed on 5/2/2011 in Pakistan  Today Afghanistan is about a50% democracy.  Life has improved for women.  The opium trade has resurfaced.