The War in Afghanistan Analyze the Causes and Effects

Afghanistan What is this land like?

Basics Population = 32 million Size = Texas Language = Afghan Persian –70 different languages Ethnicity = Mixed Pastun 50% Associate with Tribes Literacy Rate = 36% Land = Mountain and Desert Landlocked

Afghan History Diverse Nation Conquered in past by: –Persians, Romans, Ottomans, British Won Independence from Great Britain in Civil War

Afghan History 1979 Soviet Invasion  Beat USSR in 89’ w/ USA aid 1989 – 1996 – Civil War  Taliban wins Taliban “seekers of knowledge” govt. in power –Harsh & repressive government –Radical Muslims –Drug Trade (Heroin)  Famine Extreme Poverty

USSR vs. Afghanistan

Soviets in Afghanistan 1988

Thanks USA

Soviets leaving Afghanistan 1989

Taliban Takes Charge of Country

September 11, 2001 How does this relate to Afghanistan?

The War in Afghanistan Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan September 11, 2001 The Attackers and their Motivation Planning of the Attacks The Hijackers Osama bin Laden & Khalid Sheikh Mohammed US-led Coalition Response Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan Effects of the War in Afghanistan

Al-Qaeda Claims responsibility for attack on USA Taliban lets Al- Qaeda hide out in their county because they are allies.

Al-Qaeda Alliance with Taliban 1996 Osama bin Laden moves from Sudan to Afghanistan Leader of Al-Qaeda

9/11 Men who Hijacked planes

According to Bin Laden, he is concerned with American foreign policy towards, and American actions in, the Muslim world US support for Israel in its ongoing theft of Arab land US support for corrupt and repressive regimes in the Muslim world (Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states). Post 9/11, the US has added to an already long list of Muslim grievances by occupying Afghanistan and Iraq. Why did these people want to attack America?

According to Bin Laden, he has never said that the attacks were, are, or will be because of American freedoms, the rights of our citizens, or even because of our religious differences. He has said that the reasons for the attacks of the past as well as those of the future will be because of the way the US and its allies treat the Muslim World. Why did these people want to attack America?

How did the United States respond? Tells Taliban to: –deliver Al-Qaeda leaders to USA –release all US citizens in jails –protect foreigners in Afghanistan –Close terrorist facilities Does the Taliban accept?

Do you feel an attack on a country that harbors terrorists is justifiable?

Operation Enduring Freedom Invade Afghanistan (Oct. 7, 2001) Mission: –1) Capture Osama bin Laden –2) Destroy Al-Qaeda network –3) Remove Taliban Regime

Afghan Man Friend or Foe?

Taliban “Thanks Iran!”

Questions Do you feel the USA and Congress made the right decision to attack the Taliban in 2001? Question: Why do you think the US, with the most powerful military in the world, and its allies, have not been able to totally subdue the Taliban?

Are both wars another Vietnam? Long dragged out conflicts with no end in sight. Can’t tell whose an friend or foe. Not popular at home. Not popular with other governments or their people. Not winning the hearts and minds of the people. Fighting primitive people with nothing to lose

What are the problems? Friend or Foe? Suicide Bombers IED- Improvised Explosive Devices Taliban Aid from Iran Taliban Aid from Russia Drug Trade Flourishes (92% of World’s Heroin) Famine Never known democracy Extreme Islamic Groups Mountains and Terrain Border crossing Inadequate amount of US troops Untrained Afghani Troops Legitimate Government? Civilian Casualties +3,000 Deaths