Its People, Places, and History Understanding the world of The Swallows of Kabul Afghanistan: Its People, Places, and History

World Maps Afghanistan is located on the continent of Asia

Regional Map Afghanistan is bordered by Iran (west), Pakistan (south & east), and the former Soviet republics of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan (north) Afghanistan is mostly rugged mountains and hot, dry desert. Temperatures range from as hot as 120° F in summer and as cold as -15° F in winter Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and Mazar-e Sharif are its largest cities. The country is officially known as the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Important Facts and Data Capital: Kabul Area: 251,000 square miles (slightly smaller than Texas) Population: 33 million (2015 est.) 80% Sunni Muslim 19% Shia Muslim Official Religion: Islam Official languages: Pashto & Dari (+ numerous dialects) Government: Unitary Presidential Islamic Republic Head of Government: President Primary Industry: Over 80% employed in agriculture (farming sheep or goat-herding) Established: First recognized as an independent nation in 1919. Average Yearly Earnings: $600 - $2,000 (2016 est.) War: Afghanistan has been involved in, or affected by, war for almost the past 50 years, including 2 civil wars Invasions: Afghanistan was invaded by the Soviet Union in 1979, and again by the United States in 2001.

Ethnic Groups (Tribes)

Terrain and Physical Features

The People Some of the poorest in the world Members of many different ethnic groups (tribes) Life is difficult for most Afghans, especially women and children Faced drought, famine, and war for many years

Political History 1979 – the Soviet Union invades and eventually takes control of Afghanistan. 1979-1989 – Soviet/Afghan War 1989 – Soviet Union signs peace agreement with Afghanistan, ending the war. Soviet army retreats. 1989 -1996 – Afghan Civil War 1995 – the Taliban comes into power, promising traditional Islamic values based on strict interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia) 2001 – U.S. troops invade and force Taliban from power 2004 – Hamid Karzai becomes first elected President of Afghanistan (with serious assistance from the U.S.).

Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

Resistance in the Countryside Mujahideen (resistance fighters), saw Christian or atheist Soviets as defilement of Islam Proclaimed a jihad (holy war) - gained support of the Islamic world Used guerrilla tactics with weapons they took from Soviets soldiers or that were provided by the U.S. They were not formally trained Afghan army.

The Rise of the Taliban The Taliban (literally "the Seekers“) were graduates of Pakistani religious schools Taliban promised to bring peace and enforce Sharia (Islamic law) Captured one Afghan province/region at a time, starting in 1994 By 1998, controlled 90% of Afghanistan Taliban Leader Mullah Mohammad Omar (died 2013). Provided refuge to Osama bin Laden following September 11 terrorist attacks

Killed in 2011 by U.S. military forces

WHY ATTACK AMERICA? American foreign policy towards, and American actions in, the Muslim world (American allies also considered targets) U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia, home to Mecca and Medina, the two most holy sites in the Islamic world U.S. support for Israel in its ongoing occupation of Arab land (Palestine) US. support for corrupt and repressive governments in the Muslim world (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Pakistan). Post-9/11, the U.S. has continued to anger the Muslim world by invading and occupying Afghanistan and Iraq.