Abstract This paper gives a general account of America's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, focusing on the goals and dangers of a US presence in these nations. The author gives a background to the ethnic and religious conflict in Iraq, then describes the current conditions and government structure in Afghanistan. The author emphasizes that Afghanistan's extreme Islamic rule makes it difficult for the US to expect to normalize relations with this troubled nation. It is further stated that Democracy and human rights in Afghanistan, according to the Western concept and understanding, might not be feasible or possible in the short term. The author concludes that the primary purpose of an American presence in Afghanistan is the destruction of al Qaeda.
From the Paper "Anti-American violence has been increasing (Yaphe 2004). The imminent civil war is not likely to be between the Sunnis and the Shi'a, or between the Arabs and the Kurds. The clashes in many parts of the country were clearly a series of planned and coordinated attacks on US forces and civilians working on the reconstruction plan. The civil war is seen as likelier between religious extremists Sunni and Shi'a. Iraq is made up of 60% Shi'a Arab, 20% Sunni Arab and 20% Kurd. Sunni and Shi'a Arabs stand for Iraqi nationalism and want to maintain the country's political and territorial integrity according to the 1920 San Remo Treaty and the 1932 Treaty of Independence. And the Iraqi Kurds want to be part of Iraq only at the moment and their reluctance towards permanent status is a clear impediment to constitutional and territorial concessions. The second condition, which must be handled, surrounds the fate of transitional governance. Its nature, selection, and who would serve the cabinet posts were the points of dispute between the Coalition Provisional Authority and the Iraqis. The Governing Council apparently preempted UN-US efforts to form the new interim government by choosing a new president, two deputy presidents and a prime minister. Elections would not ensure perfect democratic governance or a pro-American government, but should reflect the consensus of the majority of the Iraqi people. What it took Britain to achieve a truly representative government after 900 years and the United States more than 225 years and a civil war has been made the goal for the Iraqis in only a year. And the third condition brings out the Governing Council's lack of legitimacy and the still undefined nature of political institutions. These issues cannot be resolved soon. The US needs to pass on real and transparent decision-making power on to the Iraqis (Yaphe)."
Abstract This paper explains that Andrew North's article on Afghanistan points out how much commentary duplicates imperialist views of Afghans and Afghanistan as violent, ungovernable and unaccountable. The author relates several theoretical sources belonging to post-colonial theory and others, which help to substantiate observations made. The paper suggests that old notions of Afghanistan suit current American and British foreign policy objectives.
From the Paper "This paper refers to several motifs that are rather old, in presenting the Afghan people to Westerners, as 'other' than Europeans, as found in a recent BBC South Asia article. The reader who is interested in the history of South Asia, or of Afghanistan, will spot several tendencies that render this piece not only orientalist, but a piece of propaganda, given Britain's considerable role in backing the American invasion of President George Bush. The article plays on what readers may believe that they 'know' about Afghanistan and about the Afghan people, with important aspects of the Afghan conflict missing."
Abstract This paper argues that Canada should withdraw her troops from Afghanistan. The writer points out that Canadian involvement in the war in Afghanistan has been ongoing since the conflict began in 2001, and what began as a peacekeeping mission in support of the United States against the Taliban has become something different largely because of American involvement in the war in Iraq. The writer discusses that the continued presence of Canadian troops in Afghanistan can today be seen as support for the wider war the United States is waging in the Middle East. The writer argues that Canada should withdraw before the fallout from this extended conflict harms Canadian interests.
From the Paper "Canadian involvement in the war in Afghanistan has been ongoing since the conflict began in 2001, and what began as a peacekeeping mission in support of the United States against the Taliban has become something different largely because of American involvement in the war in Iraq. The continued presence of Canadian troops in Afghanistan can today be seen as support for the wider war the United States is waging in the Middle East. Canada should withdraw before the fallout from this extended conflict harms Canadian interests. Canada's involvement in Afghanistan steadily increased from the start of the conflict. Most recently, Canada undertook a major role in the southern part of that country, based around Kandahar with a battle group of more then 2000 soldiers. Canada also now commands one of the main military forces in Afghanistan, the Multi National Brigade for Command South."
Abstract This paper studies an article that protests the fact that Afghan women were not allowed to go to school under Taliban rule. It describes the hardships that women of all ages underwent during this time and how this has affected their education for life. It details the progress that has been made since then in Afghanistan concerning this matter. Finally, it details the present situation where girls do go to school but still study separately from boys.
From the Paper "When the Taliban took control of most of Afghanistan five years ago, some of their most Draconian rules were about what the female half of the population could and couldn?t do. They could not go out on the streets without a male relative; they often had no access to medical care, and as this article shows, it was illegal to educate them. In the United States by comparison we have not seen such tight restrictions since slavery, when it was against the law to teach slaves to read and write.
Fortunately for the women of Afghanistan, the Taliban no longer rule, but it only took five years for them to have a devastating impact on the education of an entire generation. Schools have been rapidly formed to begin teaching female children again, but both the teachers and the students are working under very trying conditions. The students must sit on the floor, and few have pencils and papers. They cannot take notes. There are few if any textbooks. So the teacher must tell the students and hope that they will remember it. But after five years with no education, the students have a hard time remembering the information being given."
Tags: Taliban, Afghanistan, Draconian, female, male, school, United, States, students
Abstract Resistance ? with the proper tools, strategy, and determination ? can countermeasure any unwanted entity. This paper shows how the anti-Soviet forces in Afghanistan not only pushed the invaders out of their country, but helped precipitate the eventual fall of the USSR as a world power. The paper studies the question: How did the Soviets lose that war, or how did the Mujahidin ? the soldiers of God ? win?
From the Paper "The Afghan resistance fighters, under the guidance of their Islamic mullahs and provincial warlords, devised effective tactics and strategies to engage the large Soviet and pro-Soviet forces: avoid direct combat with a superior force; use the element of surprise; attack more at night; yield a battlefield to the enemy if it means a large result of death for the resistance forces; conduct terror and disinformation campaigns in enemy-held villages. These soldiers of God would conduct successful ambushes through the course of the war. They would attack small convoys through mountainous routes if they were lightly armed; they would attack larger forces within small valley or ravines by destroying lead and aft position vehicles to cause a jam and create confusion and panic as soldiers; they would disguise themselves as pro-Soviet soldiers and conduct disinformation campaigns in local villages to create disorder and add to the confusion amongst the rumor-mill of the local populace; or they would infiltrate firebases and conduct small raiding parties upon equipment or supplies, destroying what they could quickly, and withdrawing back into the mountains."
Abstract This paper examines the grand strategic rationale of the Afghanistan and Iraqi conflicts. The paper lexamines the two wars separately and together and discusses what both countries have to offer that make them desirable to imperial powers.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the U.S. policy in Afghanistan during the 1979-1989 war with the Soviet Union. The paper looks at the covert operations of the CIA against the Soviets and how these were developed and brought about. The writer examines their support by Carter and Reagan. Further, the writer discusses Gorbachev's reasons for ending the war.
From the Paper "Director William Webster and his Afghanistan team celebrated the end of a decade-long multi-billion dollar war which had been the largest most successful covert Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.) operation ever. Afghanistan was critical to the U.S. because of the need to transport oil from the Persian Gulf region which required access to the ports of the Indian Ocean and in the Persian Gulf itself. For this reason the U.S. sought strong friendly ties with countries in the region such as Pakistan and Iran. Until the ... "
Abstract This paper examines the status of women in contemporary Canada and Afghanistan, highlighting two societies that really cannot be compared. At the same time, this paper's topic remains illuminating because it shows how women have been given unequal roles, over time, as they have been fitted into changing economies and societies in ways preventing gender equality. This paper refers to a handful of sources that offer some less considered features of both societies with regard to the status of women.
Abstract The paper describes the geopolitical significance of Afghanistan to the Americans and Soviets before and during the Cold War. The paper analyzes Russian and Soviet policy in Afghanistan and relates that policy decisions in the United States relating to Afghanistan have been historically affected by the Soviet presence in the country. Finally, the paper explores the nature and limits of the United States' role in the Afghan war and the present US involvement in Afghanistan.
Outline:
Abstract
Objective
Introduction
Geopolitical Significance of Afghanistan Soviet Policy in Afghanistan Nature and Limits of the Role of the US in Afghanistan Present US Involvement in Afghanistan
From the Paper "Afghanistan is a region characterized by mountains and desert terrain that are practically impassable and is a country that has been dominated by the culture of Islam since 882 A.D. The Soviet war that occurred in Afghanistan lasted approximately nine years and was a conflict that centered upon the Soviet military support of the Marxist People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), the government of Afghanistan and the Mujahideen insurgents that were trying to overthrow the government in Afghanistan. The work of Singleton (1981) relates "Soviet-Afghan contacts began when Amir Amanullah Khan expelled British control during the Third Afghan War.""
Tags: Silk, Road, trade, oil, Taliban, Islam, Afghan, war
Abstract This paper explains that, during the past four years, with the help of international aide, Afghanistan has worked towards the goal of justice for its people, but the outcome has created international and internal conflicts, which threaten the badly needed autonomy of the court. The author points out that the problem lies with the very vocal minority, the radical Islamic Shari'a, who are frowned upon by the majority of the Muslim population and the western countries offering aid but, in the past, have bullied and terrorized those who defied them. The paper relates that, although the Afghanistan government is determined to create a justice system that both strengthens the country and appeals to the populace, the fact that nothing has been resolved and that nothing is currently being done to close the loopholes in the constitution doesn't seem to be a big concern to the leadership of Afghanistan.
Table of Contents
The Challenge in Afghanistan The Shari'a
A History of the Legal Systems of Afghanistan The Modern Reformation of the Legal System
A Test of the New System
Conclusion
From the Paper "Warlords continued to fight each other until the mid-1990s when the Taliban took control of the country. The Taliban brought back the Shari'a, only this time in an extreme form, as the law of the country, partly in response to support from Pakistan. Their interpretation of Islam was enforced by religious police known as the Ministry of Virtue. They oversaw the implementation of radical Shari'a that included amputation for theft, stoning for adultery, banning of television, music and sports. The Taliban framed the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, 1,800 year old statues carved into the side of a mountain, as an extension of the Shari'a law prohibiting idols."
Abstract This paper explores how the invasion of Afghanistan became the end of a long history of the Soviets doing everything in their power to secure their interests in Afghanistan. It explains that the installment of Karmal and the deaths of thousands of rebels resulted from the notion that they were invited in to protect the government of Amin. The loss of the war sent the nation into a frenzy, desperately trying to point fingers at who was to blame for what was the culmination of years of selfishness. The loss was so shocking because the USSR had managed to get what it wanted for almost a century and had finally realized that the self-determination of a country is stronger than the political favors it tried to curry from it. It examines how ,throughout their entire time together, the Soviet Union used Afghanistan to install leaders that would suit its needs and getting rid of ones that would not. When things got bad, they violated the laws of the highest political power in the world just so that they could make sure their interests were secured. In this specific example, it is easy to see the selfishness of a world superpower and the way that strong nations use weak, underdeveloped countries as if their existence on this earth is merely for the gain of others.
From the Paper "?[Our] government will strictly follow the policy of non-alignment and strive for good relationships with neighboring Pakistan and Iran.1? This statement by Afghan leader Hafizullah Amin has two key elements to it: first, it points out that the goal of Amin's short reign was to dramatically lessen the influence that the Soviet Union had had on his country for more than forty years; and secondly, to give special emphasis to the growing friendship between Afghanistan and their new alliances, Pakistan and Iran, which were, at the time, both controlled largely by Islamic (non-Communist) groups and friendly with the United States. Amin, while trying to lessen his public animosity for the Soviet Union, clearly had no love for his Russian neighbors and wanted to end any and all influence the Soviet Union had on his country. So, when the Soviet Union launched their invasion of Afghanistan on December 27, 1979, it came as some surprise that the Soviet Union claimed to be acting on a request of Amin?s, especially after his execution by Soviet hands. The fact is the Soviet Union was doing just what it had been doing for years; acting out of its own interests. A look at the Soviet Union's long history of intervention and influence will show the selfish behavior and superior ideology of the Soviet Union that led to a devastating invasion. The entirety of their relationship was based merely on Soviet desires to control the country, reap it of its goods and to stamp out any and all influence or their cold war enemy, the United States."
Tags: Hafizullah, Amin, communist, Khrushchev, cold, war, pakistan
Abstract The paper discusses the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan after 9/11 that was a direct military attack leading to the overthrow of the Taliban govenment and its eventual replacement. The paper then looks at Pakistan and shows how there was no need for a regime change, just a cease of support for the Taliban government and co-operation in hunting down the al-Qaeda based in Pakistan. The paper also examines whether the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan was legal according to international law and whether any guidelines for foreign intervention exist.
Outline:
The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks and the U.S. Intervention in Afghanistan Involvement with Pakistan
How is the US Intervention in Afghanistan Different from its Role in Pakistan?
Guidelines for Foreign Intervention
From the Paper "The U.S. intervention in Afghanistan in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and its involvement in Pakistan since 2001, although of diametrically opposite nature, are intertwined in many ways. Its intervention in Afghanistan was essentially a revenge attack for the 9/11 terrorism in order to punish the Taliban for their support of al-Qaeda; it was purportedly also aimed at capturing or killing Osama bin Laden, who lived in Afghanistan at the time, and to destroy the Islamic militant training camps in the country. Its involvement in Pakistan was basically aimed at stopping its government and its intelligence agencies from supporting the Taliban forthwith, to extend full co-operation to the U.S. in its "War against Terror," and to disband the Jihadist organizations in the country."
Tags: international, law, United, Nations, Taliban, al-Qaeda, terrorism
Abstract This paper presents a statistical background of Afghanistan's economy and describes Afghanistan's prospects for economic growth in the past decade and today. The paper explains that realistic expectations for future economic growth in Afghanistan are based upon both the influx of foreign aid and the ability of the country to meet prerequisites for economic growth, which include political stability, infrastructure, health and education, good governance, and effective monetary policy.
From the Paper "There a number of important prerequisites for economic growth in any developing country (Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe). These include the creation of a modern infrastructure, political stability, tax incentives that attract foreign businesses, and adequate workforce education and training. In a report entitled Improving the Prospects of Developing Countries, the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development of the Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe "emphasizes the need to ensure better governance in the developing countries themselves, accompanied by more democracy and rule of law, a greater respect for human rights, as well as regional and internal peace and stability.""
Abstract The paper explains why the U.S. began anti-terrorist activities in Afghanistan in 2002 and why United Nations forces are still in Afghanistan today. The paper discusses how terrorism against foreign forces and opposition to the current democratic government are on the rise in Afghanistan today. The paper concludes that until the government can prove that it will provide a better lifestyle for all Afghan people, bin Laden and his Taliban will continue to grow and gain the confidence of the people.
From the Paper "Terrorism is not new to Afghanistan. The Afghan people have lived through several monarchies and regimes, and in December 1979, they were invaded by the Soviet Union. It took ten years, but insurgents and Afghan rebels defeated the Soviets in 1989. One of the insurgents who fought tirelessly against the Soviets was Osama bin Laden. He formed his al-Qaeda network to recruit and train terrorists to fight against the Soviets. After the Soviet-Afghan War ended, bin Laden returned to his home in Saudi Arabia, but continued his terrorist tactics, which eventually got him banned from his home country and began his intense hatred of the United States. He returned to Afghanistan and continued to recruit and train terrorists."
Abstract A description on how women in Afghanistan were stripped of all their rights under the Taliban regime and in the name of Islam. This paper discusses how experts maintain that religion is never a problem, rather it is the economy of a country that leads to poor human rights situation. It gives an historical background to Afghanistan specifically how it has been torn apart with more than 23 years of warfare and its poor economic situation. Furthermore it explains how this is negatively affecting the social setup and especially the lives of the female population.
From the Paper "To say Afghanistan is a poor country would be an understatement. Afghanistan is simply one of the poorest countries in the world with its GDP growth rate being negligible and more than 53 percent of it coming from agriculture which is still in primitive stage. It is important to mention here that Afghanistan's dependence on agriculture is leading to extreme poverty because no sophisticated methods are being used to increase productivity and the government is not doing much to exploit land, which contains abundant mineral resources. (CIA Fact book, 2000)"
