The Declaration of War
Following the events of 9/11 the United States called for the Taliban, current governing party in Afghanistan at the time, to deliver Osama Bin Laden and to destroy all Al-Qaeda base camps. The Afghanistan government at that time, the Taliban refused to hand over Osama because of the lack of proof that the US had that Osama had been the one who had planned the destruction of the twin towers. Following his demands came an attack on Afghanistan from multinational foreign forces, including the US and the UK, to take down the Taliban government after their refusal to turn Osama in and to remove all terrorist camps. The October following 9/11 Anti-Taliban Northern Alliances forces enter Kabul after a US-led bombing of Afghanistan. In January of 2002, The first contingent of foreign peacekeeping forces deployed. This marked the start of a protracted fight against the Taliban that would last for years to come. When the invasion began polls show that 88% of Americans and about 65% of Britons supported military action against Afghanistan. Polls of Afghans show strong support for the removal of the Taliban. 69% of the survey Afghans believed that the US military presence in Afghanistan was good. However, the idea of a permanent US military base camp proposed in 2005 was not widely supported. The war raging on in Afghanistan have resulted in a precarious situation bordering on the edge of peace and chaos.
Following the events of 9/11 the United States called for the Taliban, current governing party in Afghanistan at the time, to deliver Osama Bin Laden and to destroy all Al-Qaeda base camps. The Afghanistan government at that time, the Taliban refused to hand over Osama because of the lack of proof that the US had that Osama had been the one who had planned the destruction of the twin towers. Following his demands came an attack on Afghanistan from multinational foreign forces, including the US and the UK, to take down the Taliban government after their refusal to turn Osama in and to remove all terrorist camps. The October following 9/11 Anti-Taliban Northern Alliances forces enter Kabul after a US-led bombing of Afghanistan. In January of 2002, The first contingent of foreign peacekeeping forces deployed. This marked the start of a protracted fight against the Taliban that would last for years to come. When the invasion began polls show that 88% of Americans and about 65% of Britons supported military action against Afghanistan. Polls of Afghans show strong support for the removal of the Taliban. 69% of the survey Afghans believed that the US military presence in Afghanistan was good. However, the idea of a permanent US military base camp proposed in 2005 was not widely supported. The war raging on in Afghanistan have resulted in a precarious situation bordering on the edge of peace and chaos.
The Taliban
The Taliban was formed in the early 1990's by a Pashtun faction of mujahideen, originally Islamic fighters who resisted the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in 1979-1989. During which they had the support of the US Central Intelligence Agency and its Pakistani counterpart, the Inter-Services Intelligence directorate. In 1996 they had secured their position as the government of Afghanistan. Their control over Afghanistan lasted until 2001. Mullah Omar, a cleric and a veteran of the anti-Soviet resistance, was the leader of the Taliban during their rule in Afghanistan. He was the one who had granted Al-Qaeda sanctuary in Afghanistan on the condition that Al-Qaeda not antagonize the United States. However, Osama Bin Laden nullified the agreement once he had launched a series of attacks on the US. However, when the United States demanded Mullah Omar to deliver Bin Laden, he refused. According to a report from the United Nations the Taliban had committed a multitude of crimes involving the abuse of human rights including the abduction of women and selling them as sex slaves, rape, and shooting innocents that was later focused more on the Hazaras. Near the end of 2001 the United States had demanded the Taliban to deliver Osama Bin Laden and to remove all Al-Qaeda bases. However, the Taliban had refused this request resulting in a series of attacks led by the US. These attacks were mostly composed of drone strikes and bombings. Afghanistan believes that these drone strikes are uncalled for and that the US is crossing the line. The United States and Afghanistan are negotiating a settlement with the Taliban, but with the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan at the end of 2014 an agreement like this is unlikely.
The Taliban was formed in the early 1990's by a Pashtun faction of mujahideen, originally Islamic fighters who resisted the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in 1979-1989. During which they had the support of the US Central Intelligence Agency and its Pakistani counterpart, the Inter-Services Intelligence directorate. In 1996 they had secured their position as the government of Afghanistan. Their control over Afghanistan lasted until 2001. Mullah Omar, a cleric and a veteran of the anti-Soviet resistance, was the leader of the Taliban during their rule in Afghanistan. He was the one who had granted Al-Qaeda sanctuary in Afghanistan on the condition that Al-Qaeda not antagonize the United States. However, Osama Bin Laden nullified the agreement once he had launched a series of attacks on the US. However, when the United States demanded Mullah Omar to deliver Bin Laden, he refused. According to a report from the United Nations the Taliban had committed a multitude of crimes involving the abuse of human rights including the abduction of women and selling them as sex slaves, rape, and shooting innocents that was later focused more on the Hazaras. Near the end of 2001 the United States had demanded the Taliban to deliver Osama Bin Laden and to remove all Al-Qaeda bases. However, the Taliban had refused this request resulting in a series of attacks led by the US. These attacks were mostly composed of drone strikes and bombings. Afghanistan believes that these drone strikes are uncalled for and that the US is crossing the line. The United States and Afghanistan are negotiating a settlement with the Taliban, but with the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan at the end of 2014 an agreement like this is unlikely.
Military Forces
Afghanistan was not defenceless throughout the years. Afghanistan's military forces is composed of the ANA, Afghanistan National Army, and the AAF, Afghan Air Force. However, in 2006 Nato had assumed responsibility for security across the whole of Afghanistan taking command in the East from a US-led coalition force. In 2009 Barack Obama uncovers a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. An extra 4000 US personnel will be sent to train the Afghan Army and police forces. They are also to provide support for any civilian developments in the area as well. Although before 2001 the Afghan National Army had disbanded, they have been reestablished by the United States and its allies. SInce its reestablishment the ANA's manpower has been steadily increasing.
Afghanistan was not defenceless throughout the years. Afghanistan's military forces is composed of the ANA, Afghanistan National Army, and the AAF, Afghan Air Force. However, in 2006 Nato had assumed responsibility for security across the whole of Afghanistan taking command in the East from a US-led coalition force. In 2009 Barack Obama uncovers a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. An extra 4000 US personnel will be sent to train the Afghan Army and police forces. They are also to provide support for any civilian developments in the area as well. Although before 2001 the Afghan National Army had disbanded, they have been reestablished by the United States and its allies. SInce its reestablishment the ANA's manpower has been steadily increasing.
Osama Bin Laden
Osama Bin Laden was the leader of the terrorist group known as Al-Qaeda. His actions has caused much unrest around the world. The reason as to why the US sent troops to Afghanistan was to eliminate Al-Qaeda base camps and Osama Bin Laden. However, the United States had sent troops to Afghanistan illegally and without permission. These actions angered certain people in Afghanistan, they say that the US has no right to be entering Afghanistan for bombing runs only to end up killing more civilians than terrorists. The American soldiers were also to ensure that the transition in Afghanistan after Osama was eliminated would be smooth. However, Osama’s supposed death didn’t change much of the daily routine in Afghanistan. The Taliban was still in force and still remains the greater threat in Afghanistan at the moment. Even though Osama’s death might have temporarily reduced terrorism from Afghanistan on a global scale, terrorism is still a large issue in Afghanistan as many people still consider Afghanistan to be the base of operations for terrorist groups. There are those who believe that Osama Bin Laden is nothing but a terrorists, however, Osama has contributed to Afghanistan in ways that many people don't know about. For example, during the Russian invasion the United States supported Osama Bin Laden because he was part of the force that fought back and retaliated against the Russians until the Russians left. Unfortunately, after the Russians had left Afghanistan Osama's first involvement in a bombing was in 1992. His actions have resulted in multiple terrorist attacks and an all-out war.
Osama Bin Laden was the leader of the terrorist group known as Al-Qaeda. His actions has caused much unrest around the world. The reason as to why the US sent troops to Afghanistan was to eliminate Al-Qaeda base camps and Osama Bin Laden. However, the United States had sent troops to Afghanistan illegally and without permission. These actions angered certain people in Afghanistan, they say that the US has no right to be entering Afghanistan for bombing runs only to end up killing more civilians than terrorists. The American soldiers were also to ensure that the transition in Afghanistan after Osama was eliminated would be smooth. However, Osama’s supposed death didn’t change much of the daily routine in Afghanistan. The Taliban was still in force and still remains the greater threat in Afghanistan at the moment. Even though Osama’s death might have temporarily reduced terrorism from Afghanistan on a global scale, terrorism is still a large issue in Afghanistan as many people still consider Afghanistan to be the base of operations for terrorist groups. There are those who believe that Osama Bin Laden is nothing but a terrorists, however, Osama has contributed to Afghanistan in ways that many people don't know about. For example, during the Russian invasion the United States supported Osama Bin Laden because he was part of the force that fought back and retaliated against the Russians until the Russians left. Unfortunately, after the Russians had left Afghanistan Osama's first involvement in a bombing was in 1992. His actions have resulted in multiple terrorist attacks and an all-out war.
Changes in Economy
Economy in Afghanistan had not really taken off and made any significant leaps or improvements until after 2001. Improvements to the business-enabling environment resulted in more than $1.5 billion in telecom investment and has created more than 100,000 jobs since 2003. Afghan carpet rugs had made a come back and were also higher in demand. Even though Afghanistan is one of the most impoverished and least developed countries, its economy is increasing at a steady rate of around 10% per year. Much of Afghanistans agricultural products is composed of opium, wheat, fruits, nuts, wool, mutton, sheepskins and lambskins. Much of Afghanistan's labor force of 7.512 million is employed in agriculture, about 78.6%, and a small percentage, 5.7%, is employed in industry and the remaining 15.7% works in service. Unfortunately, Afghanistan's economy still is in a bad situation, 35% of the population live below the poverty line, but according to data gathered in 2012 the estimated GDP per capita was about $1,100 USD. There is speculation about whether Afghanistan will recover after the dismissal of US troops from the country. However, it is possible for certain terrorists groups to rise again. Thus disrupting the economy further. When the Taliban had arrived in Afghanistan and taken control, it resulted in an era of poverty and disruption of human rights. any terrorist uprisings may have catastrophic results on more than Afghanistan's economy.
Opium
For years opium had been the primary agricultural product of Afghanistan, it still is, and it is increasing at an alarming rate. In fact ever since the US occupation of Afghanistan, opium production has been on the rise once again. In 2013 the opium production rose 5,500 tons, almost half of the previous year's total production. Before 2001 the price of opium had been $35 for two pounds, but in one year the price has been raised to as much as $360 according to Bernard Frahi, regional director for the U.N. program in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In 2009 there is an estimated amount of 50-60,000 drug users in Kabul alone. However, Afghanistan is attempting to reduce the amount of opium produced with help from foreign powers. In 2009 the United States announced that they would give $38.7 million dollars to the 27 out of 34 provinces in Afghanistan that reduced or banned poppy cultivation.
Economy in Afghanistan had not really taken off and made any significant leaps or improvements until after 2001. Improvements to the business-enabling environment resulted in more than $1.5 billion in telecom investment and has created more than 100,000 jobs since 2003. Afghan carpet rugs had made a come back and were also higher in demand. Even though Afghanistan is one of the most impoverished and least developed countries, its economy is increasing at a steady rate of around 10% per year. Much of Afghanistans agricultural products is composed of opium, wheat, fruits, nuts, wool, mutton, sheepskins and lambskins. Much of Afghanistan's labor force of 7.512 million is employed in agriculture, about 78.6%, and a small percentage, 5.7%, is employed in industry and the remaining 15.7% works in service. Unfortunately, Afghanistan's economy still is in a bad situation, 35% of the population live below the poverty line, but according to data gathered in 2012 the estimated GDP per capita was about $1,100 USD. There is speculation about whether Afghanistan will recover after the dismissal of US troops from the country. However, it is possible for certain terrorists groups to rise again. Thus disrupting the economy further. When the Taliban had arrived in Afghanistan and taken control, it resulted in an era of poverty and disruption of human rights. any terrorist uprisings may have catastrophic results on more than Afghanistan's economy.
Opium
For years opium had been the primary agricultural product of Afghanistan, it still is, and it is increasing at an alarming rate. In fact ever since the US occupation of Afghanistan, opium production has been on the rise once again. In 2013 the opium production rose 5,500 tons, almost half of the previous year's total production. Before 2001 the price of opium had been $35 for two pounds, but in one year the price has been raised to as much as $360 according to Bernard Frahi, regional director for the U.N. program in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In 2009 there is an estimated amount of 50-60,000 drug users in Kabul alone. However, Afghanistan is attempting to reduce the amount of opium produced with help from foreign powers. In 2009 the United States announced that they would give $38.7 million dollars to the 27 out of 34 provinces in Afghanistan that reduced or banned poppy cultivation.
Elections
For a period of time the only form of government in Afghanistan was the Taliban rule, however, during the start of 2004 Loya Jirga, the grand council, adopts a new constitution that provided a strong presidency. Later that year Hamid Karzai is declared the winner of the presidential elections in October. In September, 2005, Afghans vote in the first parliamentary elections in more than 30 years.
In 2004, Hamid Karzai was elected president for 5 years and in 2009 was reelected for another 5 years, he is the 12th and current president of Afghanistan.
For a period of time the only form of government in Afghanistan was the Taliban rule, however, during the start of 2004 Loya Jirga, the grand council, adopts a new constitution that provided a strong presidency. Later that year Hamid Karzai is declared the winner of the presidential elections in October. In September, 2005, Afghans vote in the first parliamentary elections in more than 30 years.
In 2004, Hamid Karzai was elected president for 5 years and in 2009 was reelected for another 5 years, he is the 12th and current president of Afghanistan.
Even though many people had thought that Karzai hadn't done much or even anything at all that he said he would for the country, more than 50% of the population had voted for Karzai during his second election. Some say that the elections were rigged, taking into mind that many people didn't like Karzai and he still got over 50% of the votes. Hamid Karzai had noticed the increased amount of innocent civilian deaths caused by US/NATO bombings that were intended for terrorists, and stated that it had to stop. Although Karzai doesn’t support the US bombings, he is still highly supported by the US. Karzai had stated that as the president of Afghanistan he would fix many problems in Afghanistan including women’s rights. Despite his promises he has barely changed anything. To some, Karzai is considered to be inept and shouldn’t be in the position that he is in. Recently in the new presidential elections previous Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah has the majority of the votes, but according to Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani, it is too early to tell who will have the majority of the votes. However, recently late in April there was news stating that there is to be a run off between candidates Abdullah Abdullah and ex minister of finance Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.