Contemporary Conflicts And Challenges- Afghanistan Flashcards
History/background
1979-Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan-communist
US in conflict with SU, funded rebel groups opposing SU (the Mujahideen)
1989-SU left A, conflicts continued between M and gov
History/background
1996-the Taliban(one of the M groups) took control of gov
Al-Qaeda (extreme Islamic group, Middle East) had links with T, base in A.
1998-US launched missile attacks on bases they believed used by Osama Bin Laden (leader)
Where?
Afghanistan, South Asia
What?
Military invasion of Afghanistan launched by US
When?
October 2001
Lasted until end of 2014
Why?
In response to terrorist attaches in US- hijacked planes flown into World trade centre/Pentagon, Sept 11 2001
Who?
US wanted to bring Bin Laden to trial for attacks
Negotiation rejected by T
US supported by UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France
Taliban allies with Al Qaeda, hid them
Aims of war
Bring Bin Laden, and others, to trial
Destroy Al Qaeda
To ensure Afghanistan doesn’t hide any more terrorists
Outcome
December 2001- T gov removed from power
2006-NATO took control of US led coalition force (soldiers from 40+ countries)
2nd May 2011- Bin Laden killed
Vowed to avenge death
2012 still 130,000 coalition troops fighting
Differing views
- military action isn’t best way, want diplomatic talks
- military action necessary, prevent civil war, T returning to power
- Obama sent 33,000 troops to train Afghan army/police forces
Social impacts
Nearly 11,000 Afghan civilians killed 2001-09 1832 coalition troops killed Soldiers-Post traumatic stress disorder 3 million refugees fled 2010 Poverty/malnutrition Prevented growth health/education Water contamination Crime
Environmental impacts
Explosives polluted the air, soil, water
Forest halved
Hunting of animals increased
Economic impacts
Cost: US-$740 billion by 2010
UK-£11.1 billion
Increased spending on security
Prevented economic growth in A
Rebuilding infrastructure-high cost
