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

World Maps Afghanistan is located in central Asia

Afghanistan is in central Asia, bordered by Iran, Pakistan and numerous former Soviet republics (completely landlocked) Largest cities: Kabul (capital) and Kandahar First recognized as independent nation in 1919; today officially known as the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan 80% Sunni Muslim 19% Shia Muslim Primarily an agricultural economy (sheep and goat herding); $600 - $2,000 avg. yearly earnings

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

Ethnic Groups (Tribes)

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 called 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

How the Afghans Won Mujahideen (resistance fighters), saw Christian or atheist Soviets as defilement of Islam Proclaimed a jihad (holy war) - gained support (money, weapons, fighters) throughout 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 (“the Seekers”) were graduates of Pakistani religious schools Taliban promised to bring peace and strictly 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

WHY ATTACK AMERICA? American foreign policy within the Muslim world (American allies also considered targets) U.S. military bases 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 dictators in the Muslim world (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Pakistan).