Background: Conflict in Afghanistan
Canadian forces are currently undertaking a dangerous, but essential mission in helping the Afghani government maintain control of it's territory while assisting in the fight against a seemingly re-organized Taliban resistance. The Taliban should have been removed from power in the 1990's before they could go about their repressive ways, arbitrarily murdering those they disagreed with or who dared to disagree with them, while systematically suppressing the rights of everyone within the country. Now that the world has begun the job of rebuilding Afghanistan it can't in good conscience pick up and leave again until the job is done. Otherwise we risk letting the people of that country, who have lived with violence and oppression for so long, fall once again under it's oppressive sway.
Background:
1839-1842: The First Anglo-Afghan War. Nervous about Russian encroachment on India, the jewel of the empire, The British decide they need an ally on their North-Western frontier. They back Shah Shujah in his bid for the throne. This proves highly unpopular with most Afghanis, and results in the destruction of the entire British force (save a few prisoners, and Dr. W. Brydon who survived to tell the tale).
1878-1880: The Second Anglo-Afghan War. Upset with a number of high profile incidents involving their citizens, and facing diplomatic rebuke the British invade Afghanistan again. Rather more successful than the first attempt they sign a treaty granting them control of Afghani external affairs, effectively allowing them to turn away Russian encroachment.
1880-1901: Amir Abdhur Rahman Khan rules Afghanistan. He maintains much internal control of Afghani policy. The British and Russians decide Afghanistan will act as a buffer state seperating their Central Asian interests.
1919-1929: King Amannulah Khan's rule sees the Third Anglo-Afghan War. This conflict results in complete independence given to Afghanistan. Extensive internal and external reforms take place. Formal relations are established with many countries including the newly founded Soviet Union. Social reform includes increased education, and increased civil rights including the right of women to go unveiled.
1929-1973: Mohammed Nadir Khan becomes King, is assasinated in 1933, and succeded by his son Mohammed Zahird Shah who rules until a coup in 1973. Afghanistan modernizes in many ways, while maintaining balance by placating tribal, religious, and ideological interests.
1973-1978: A coup sees Afghanistan's monarchy disappear and establishes a republic with former Prime Minister Mohammed Daoud Khan as leader. Daoud is seen as a strong-arm leader who drifts slowly to the right over the course of his rule. Relations with the USSR are maintained, but cool over the period. Daoud is shot in a coup in 1978.
1978-1992: The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is established following the communist led coup. Much of the Afghani ruling elite is killed, or fleas the country. A treaty is signed with the USSR in late '78, and minor Soviet military aid and troops arrive in Afghanistan in early '79 to help the ruling People's Democraticy Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) maintain control of the country.
Full Soviet invasion comes in late 1979. The reasons for invasion are arguable, but include worries that socialism in Afghanistan was at risk, fears Afghanistan was drifting towards alignment with China, and concerns that the unstable situation in Afghanistan may result in unwanted chaos too close to Soviet borders. Soviet forces change the leadership at the top of the PDPA, while attempting to pacify the country. The factionalism that had been simmering before Soviet invasion becomes full scale civil war. Mujahudeen rise up around the country to battle the PDPA and their Soviet backers.
Mujahudeen are supported by outside forces including the USA and Saudi Arabia. The war becomes a quagmire for the Soviets, and an international hot button issue. Eventual Soviet withdrawal is negotiated and comes in 1989. Afghanistan is left in a state of chaos as the Mujahudeen continue their fight against the government, which is still recognized by the United Nations. Three years of civil war ensue. The Afghani government retains political ties with the Soviet Union which continues to provide financial and military aid.
By nineteen ninety-four we see the fall of the Soviet Union and end of aid to Afghanistan's government. The Mujahudeen defeat the government forces, but lack organization and planning to enact their own effective government. Factionalism and warlordism ensue
1994-2001: The Taliban gain control of most of factionalized Afghanistan. With significan support from Pakistan, hardline Islamic Taliban forces take control of the country. They impose strict Shariah law regulating the lives of citizens across the country. Females are forbidden to pursue education, work outside the home, or appear in public without a full burkah. Religious life is highly regulated. Men's beard lengths are legislated by religious officials.
Widespread human rights abuses occur, reciving some international media attention. International attention is most focused when the regime decides to destroy two ancient statues of Buddah located in Bamiyan. This is part of the governments attempt to wipe out all non-Islamic influences including music, dancing, disagreeable writing and the collection of the Kabul Museum. In 1998 in response to the embassy bombing in Kenya and Tanzania President Clinton launches a cruise missile attack against purported terrorist training camps in Afghanistan.
2001-Present: As a response to the terrorist attacks of September 11th, The United States and a collection of allies invade Afghanistan for harbouring Osama Bin Laden, the figurehead of Al Qaeda, and for providing terrorist training to Al Qaeda forces. The coalition backed Northern Alliance defeats the Taliban and takes control of the country. Harmid Karzai is elected President by a Grand Council. Rebuilding of Afghanistan begins.
Banditry, warlordism, and most especially a resurgence of Taliban resistance remain important issues for Afghani security. The country is at a delicate and important point in its history. Support for an Afghanistan which shows greater respect for human rights, and the voices of its citizens can help bring stability to this region of the world which has been wracked with instability for so long.
Canadian forces are currently undertaking a dangerous, but essential mission in helping the Afghani government maintain control of it's territory while assisting in the fight against a seemingly re-organized Taliban resistance. The Taliban should have been removed from power in the 1990's before they could go about their repressive ways, arbitrarily murdering individuals they disagreed with, and systematically suppressing the rights of everyone within the country. Now that the world has begun the job of rebuilding Afghanistan it can't in good conscience pick up and leave again until the job is done. Otherwise we risk letting the people of that country, who have lived with violence and oppression for so long, fall once again under it's oppressive sway.