In 2021, the Taliban, a radical Islamist group, swiftly took control of Afghanistan. They moved quickly across the country, capturing province after province until they reached the capital, Kabul. This happened after foreign military forces, including those from the United States, withdrew from Afghanistan. The withdrawal was sometimes rushed, leaving behind weapons and equipment as the Taliban advanced.
In 2020, the United States, along with other military powers, made a deal with the Taliban. The agreement stated that US troops would leave Afghanistan, and in return, the Taliban would engage in national peace talks. Unfortunately, these peace talks never occurred. As the Taliban advanced, Afghanistan’s military collapsed, and many government officials supported by Western countries fled the country along with foreign military personnel and other anti-Taliban allies.
Within just a few weeks, the Taliban regained full control over Afghanistan, something they hadn’t achieved in over twenty years. Their return to power led to an economic collapse, making it difficult for Afghan citizens to access basic necessities like food and water. The international community is closely watching to see if the Taliban will keep their promises regarding the withdrawal of foreign forces and the protection of human rights.
For many in the Western world, especially those who grew up in the early 2000s, the Taliban is a well-known name. Even younger generations have likely learned about them, particularly in countries like the United States or the United Kingdom, which had military involvement in Afghanistan since 2001. However, many people might not fully understand who the Taliban are and why their recent rise to power is significant for both Afghanistan and the world.
Afghanistan has a long history of foreign invasions, which have led to internal conflicts among various groups. The modern Taliban can trace their origins back to earlier periods in Afghanistan’s history. The word “Taliban” means “students of Islam” or “seekers of knowledge.” Initially, the early Taliban were not extremists; they were teachers and religious scholars focused on providing comfort and engaging in religious studies.
The formation of the Taliban is linked to several historical events. In the 19th century, Great Britain attempted to expand its influence in Afghanistan, resulting in the Anglo-Afghan wars. The British invasion aimed to counter Russian expansion, but it faced strong resistance from the Afghan people. After a series of conflicts, Afghanistan gained independence from British influence in 1921, leading to a period of reform under Amir Amānullāh Khan.
The political landscape changed again in the 1970s when General Mohammad Daud Khan, a pro-Soviet leader, overthrew the monarchy and established a republic. His regime faced opposition from various factions, leading to the rise of the Mujahideen, who opposed the Soviet-backed government. The Mujahideen’s struggle against the Soviet invasion in 1979 attracted international attention, with the US and other countries providing support.
By the early 1990s, the Taliban emerged as a dominant force, promising peace and security amid the chaos of civil war. They took control of Kabul in 1996 and enforced strict interpretations of Islamic law, which included severe restrictions on women’s rights and public behavior. Their rule was marked by human rights abuses and international condemnation.
The Taliban’s control was challenged after the September 11 attacks in 2001, leading to a US-led invasion of Afghanistan. The Taliban were removed from power but regrouped and launched an insurgency against the new Afghan government and foreign forces. Over the next two decades, the conflict continued, resulting in significant loss of life and ongoing instability.
In 2020, a deal was made between the US and the Taliban, leading to the withdrawal of US troops. However, the Taliban launched a major offensive in 2021, ultimately capturing Kabul and reestablishing control over Afghanistan. The war in Afghanistan, which lasted two decades, resulted in over two hundred thousand deaths, including many civilians.
The Taliban’s return to power has raised concerns about the future of human rights and governance in Afghanistan. The international community is watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether the Taliban will uphold their commitments.
Research the historical events that led to the formation of the Taliban, focusing on the Anglo-Afghan wars and the rise of the Mujahideen. Create a presentation to share your findings with the class, highlighting how these events contributed to the Taliban’s emergence.
Participate in a class debate on the 2020 agreement between the US and the Taliban. Take a position either supporting or opposing the agreement, and use evidence from the article and additional research to defend your stance.
Engage in a role-playing exercise where you simulate peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government representatives. Work in groups to develop negotiation strategies and attempt to reach a consensus on key issues such as human rights and governance.
Analyze the economic and social impact of the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. Write a report discussing how the changes have affected Afghan citizens’ access to basic necessities and the international community’s response.
Write a creative story from the perspective of an Afghan citizen living under Taliban rule. Describe their daily challenges and hopes for the future, drawing on information from the article to ensure accuracy and depth in your narrative.
In 2021, control over Afghanistan fell into the hands of a radical Islamist group known as the Taliban. They rapidly advanced across the country, establishing control over various provinces until they reached the capital city of Kabul. This occurred after foreign military forces, including the United States military, withdrew from Afghanistan after nearly two decades, sometimes making a hurried exit and leaving behind weapons and gear as the Taliban advanced.
In 2020, a coalition of military powers led by the US reached an agreement with the Taliban, which stated that US troops would withdraw from Afghanistan and that the Taliban would commit to participating in national peace talks. However, these peace talks never took place. Afghanistan’s military collapsed during the Taliban’s advance, and many government officials who had been supported by Western countries were forced to flee alongside foreign military personnel and other anti-Taliban allies.
It took only a few weeks for the Taliban to regain total control over Afghanistan, a feat they hadn’t achieved in over twenty years. Their return to power caused the country’s economy to collapse, leaving many Afghan citizens struggling to access necessities like food and water. The international community is still waiting to see if the Taliban will honor their agreement regarding the withdrawal of foreign military forces and whether human rights will be upheld under their rule.
For many in the Western world, particularly those who grew up in the early 2000s, the Taliban is a familiar name. Even those from more recent decades likely learned about them at an early age, especially in countries like the United States or the United Kingdom, which had a military presence in Afghanistan since 2001. However, many may still be unclear about who the Taliban are and why their recent rise to power is significant not just for Afghanistan but for the world.
Afghanistan has a long history of foreign invasions, leading to internal conflicts among various factions. The modern Taliban can trace its roots back to earlier periods in Afghanistan’s history. The term “Taliban” translates to “students of Islam” or “seekers of knowledge.” Historically, the early Taliban were not associated with extremism; they were teachers and religious scholars who provided comfort to the dying and engaged in religious studies.
The formation of the Taliban is linked to a series of historical events. In the 19th century, Great Britain sought to expand its influence in Afghanistan, leading to the Anglo-Afghan wars. The British invasion aimed to counter Russian expansion, but it resulted in significant resistance from the Afghan people. After a series of conflicts, Afghanistan gained independence from British influence in 1921, leading to a period of reform under Amir Amānullāh Khan.
The political landscape shifted again in the 1970s when General Mohammad Daud Khan, a pro-Soviet figure, overthrew the monarchy and established a republic. His regime faced opposition from various factions, leading to the rise of the Mujahideen, who opposed the Soviet-backed government. The Mujahideen’s struggle against the Soviet invasion in 1979 garnered international attention, with the US and other countries providing support.
By the early 1990s, the Taliban emerged as a dominant force, promising peace and security amid the chaos of civil war. They gained control over Kabul in 1996 and implemented strict interpretations of Islamic law, which included severe restrictions on women’s rights and public behavior. Their rule was marked by human rights abuses and international condemnation.
The Taliban’s control was challenged after the September 11 attacks in 2001, which led to a US-led invasion of Afghanistan. The Taliban were ousted from power, but they regrouped and launched an insurgency against the new Afghan government and foreign forces. Over the next two decades, the conflict continued, resulting in significant loss of life and ongoing instability.
In 2020, a deal was struck between the US and the Taliban, leading to the withdrawal of US troops. However, the Taliban launched a major offensive in 2021, ultimately seizing Kabul and reestablishing control over Afghanistan. The war in Afghanistan, which lasted two decades, resulted in over two hundred thousand deaths, including many civilians.
The Taliban’s return to power has raised concerns about the future of human rights and governance in Afghanistan, as the international community watches closely to see how the situation unfolds.
Taliban – A fundamentalist Islamic militia group that emerged in Afghanistan in the mid-1990s and gained control over most of the country, enforcing strict Islamic law. – The Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan significantly altered the region’s political landscape and affected international relations.
Afghanistan – A landlocked country located in South Asia, known for its strategic location and complex history of invasions and conflicts. – Afghanistan has been at the center of geopolitical struggles for centuries, influencing the course of history in the region.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, which helps us understand how societies and cultures have evolved over time. – Studying the history of ancient civilizations provides insight into the development of modern societies.
Military – Relating to the armed forces or to soldiers, arms, or war; often involved in the defense or aggression of a nation. – The military strategies employed during World War II were pivotal in determining the outcome of the conflict.
Power – The ability or capacity to influence or control the behavior of people or the course of events, often seen in political or social contexts. – The balance of power during the Cold War was maintained through a complex system of alliances and deterrence.
Rights – Legal, social, or ethical principles of freedom or entitlement; fundamental norms that protect individuals’ freedoms and ensure fair treatment. – The civil rights movement in the United States was a pivotal moment in the struggle for equality and justice.
Invasion – An instance of invading a country or region with an armed force, often leading to conflict and changes in control. – The invasion of Normandy in 1944 was a crucial turning point in World War II, leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.
Conflict – A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one, which can occur between individuals, groups, or nations. – The conflict between the North and South in the United States led to the Civil War, fundamentally altering the nation’s history.
Government – The governing body of a nation, state, or community, responsible for making and enforcing laws and policies. – The structure of the government established by the U.S. Constitution has been a model for democratic systems worldwide.
Peace – A state of tranquility or quietness, particularly in the context of the absence of war or conflict. – The Treaty of Versailles was intended to bring peace to Europe after the devastation of World War I, though its effectiveness was debated.
