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MLS 610B-81
Spring 2003
WEEK 7: Monday, March 17.
A History of Turmoil: Afghanistan
Background:
Afghanistan’s major ethnic groups:
The main national languages of Afghanistan are _____________________________
Background (cont’d):
Afghanistan broke away from British influence after a brief Third Anglo-Afghan
War in 1919, and was recognized as an independent country at the Versailles
Peace Conference.
Westernization:
Mohammed Zahir Shah became the ruler of Afghanistan’s monarchy in 1933.
In 1953 a very influential Prime Minister rose to the fore (Zahir Shah’s
cousin) Muhammad Daud:
In the early 1970s a severe drought caused widespread hardship, weakening
support for Zahir Shah. He was overthrown in a military coup led by
former Prime Minister Muhammad Daud.
The People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA):
In 1978 the new communist government launched an ambitious policy of land
reform, the emancipation of women, and a campaign against illiteracy, but
the population was not ready for such radical change, and it met with resistance.
Mujahadeen (“holy warriors”):
On July 3, 1979, US President Jimmy Carter signed a secret order authorizing
covert support for the mujahadeen fighters in Afghanistan. The
Soviet Union decided to intervene in December 1979 to “restore order” to
Afghanistan’s communist government.
The Soviet-Afghan War (1979-89):
Civil War:
The Rise of the Taliban:
The Taliban in Power: