1. Theme: Human Rights

2.  Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979 to support pro-communist gov’t against Muslim rebels (Mujahideen – “holy warriors”)  35,000 Muslim volunteers from other countries joined fight  Osama bin Laden (S. Arabia) set up training camps; later founded Al Qaeda – “The Base”  USSR with drew in 1989; Taliban seized control in 1996

3.  Extreme Islamic dictatorship, shariah law  Banned music, TV, internet  Harsh Treatment of women ◦ Denied education ◦ Forced to wear traditional Afghan clothing – head to toe veil (chadri) ◦ Not allowed to wear nail polish or makeup ◦ Not allowed to work outside home ◦ Cannot leave home without family male escort

4.  Girls not allowed to converse with young men  Brutal public punishments (floggings, executions, fingertips chopped off for wearing nail polish)

5.  September 2001 US pressured Afghanistan to turn over bin Laden  Taliban refused, US began bombing  Taliban ousted in December 2001  Elections held in 2005  Issues remain for Afghanistan: warlords, Taliban terrorism, drug trafficking (proudces over 80 % of world’s supply