By Shehak Awan

Outline  War  Affect on the people Society Refugees and Casualties Health Education Economy Politics

War Since 2001  October 7, 2001 – bombing of Afghanistan commences  Early December 2001 – conclusion with fall of Kandahar  By Bush administration shifts to Iraq  2005 – Taliban is making come back  – Pakistan’s western border becomes an issue  Role of President Obama and President Asif Ali Zardari  Current – shift from searching paramilitaries to local communities

Society  Various tribal groups throughout Afghanistan contend to rivalries  Rule of law, development and aid efforts  Restrained due to regional commanders, illegal drug trade, and continuing Taliban Insurgency

Society

Refugees  Since 2001 many have fled to nearby camps, mainly Pakistan  Highest rate was in 2002, about 2 million  Almost a third of the country is directly affected by insurgent activity  This area is classified as an, “extreme risk, hostile environment” with respect to foreign aid agencies trying to conduct relief work

Casualties  Thirty-nine percent increase in casualties since 2007  Includes civilian and military casualties caused by military, pro government forces, and air strikes

Health  Average life expectancy = Compared to the U.S. ….  1 in 5 children die before age of 5  Lack of safe drinking water  Dependency on food aid due to disease, malnutrition, and poverty

Health

File:Life Expectancy 2009 Estimates CIA World Factbook  Pink = 80+ Purple = Neon Blue =  Green = Yellow = Maroon = 40-45

Education  Major increase in education since 2001 and fall of Taliban  Girls make up 35% of school population  Increase attendance to school leads to pressure on the system for teachers

Education  Negative reception of schooling by insurgents  Specifically schools for girls have come under attack  This year alone – 16 bomb attacks  Threatening letters to schools

Economy  Recovery of about 12% a year, but remains one of the poorest countries, regardless  ¾ of Afghan population is comprised of farmers an nomads – only 12% of the land is arable  Trade with economic partners has helped rebuild the infrastructure on Afghanistan – Pakistan, Iran, China

Economy  Situation leads to drug trade – Opium

Politics  Islamic Republic of Afghanistan  January 2004 – new constitution  Hamid Karzai won the first elections in 2004  Next parliamentary elections are due for 2010

Sources  SSID=29032b640d df9e4a0eb704    E2%80%93present%29  factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html  htm  n-from-insurgency-to-insurrection