What would you react more strongly to?

1. What would you react more strongly to? 1. A number of unarmed civilians murdered, (many children). OR 2. One of the most influential pieces of literature of your culture being desecrated.

2. How would your reaction match up with those of others around the globe? Two incidents have recently stained the US presence in Afghanistan, yet there has been very different reactions from the Afghans, why do you think that is? “For Afghans, Two Outrages, Two Different Reactions” – Article from NPR

4. Physical and Politcal Map of Afghanistan • Over 1 million nomads • 75% Farmers or Pastoralists in Rural villages • City-life is growing (23% now)

5. World Food Program, UN Photo 200914. Farmers harvest wheat in Badakhshan.

6. Tracy Hunter, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License. Kuchis, a nomadic people in Afghanistan, travel with their cattle.

7. John Zada, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License. A shepherd herds goats in the outskirts of Kabul through a field of abandoned Soviet tanks.

8. Muzafar Ali, UN Photo 167253. Women in the Dai Kundi province gather kindling to heat their homes over the winter.

9. Homayon Khoram, UN Photo 397943. The fertile Panjshir Valley. What was once a key base for Mujahideen fighters during the Soviet war is now a highly productive agricultural area.

10. Canada in Afghanistan , Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License. Kabul, Afghanistan. Population: four to six million.

11. Iain Cochrane, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License. Ka Firushi, the bird market in Kabul. Under the Taliban government, owning pigeons and other birds was outlawed.

12. Laura’s Eye, Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic License. Housing in Kabul is extremely expensive. As the city has expanded, people have begun to build cheaper homes on the hillsides. Most of these houses don’t have public utilities.

13. Fardin Waezi , UN Photo 398285. An Afghan primary school class, supported by the United Nations. Kabul.

14. Helena Mulkerns, UN Photo 159550. Two young women studying at Kabul University, one of ten universities in Afghanistan.

15. Brief History Became a nation in 1747 – ruled by Ahmad Shah Durrani and his successors Russia and Britain compete over it… “Great Game” Britain tried to gain control in the early 1800’s - could not keep control and led to lasting hostility http://choices.edu/resources/scholarsonline/hopkins/bh6.php

16. Abdur Rahman British decided it was easier to indirectly control Afghans with money and weapons – supported ruthless leaders Abdur Rahman (King) – secret police, mass executions, suppression of rebellions and torture – couldn’t have done it without the British! He played both sides – said the foreigners threatened Islam – promoted jihad http://choices.edu/resources/scholarsonline/hopkins/bh7.php

17. WWII British leave, along with their $ – Why? Afghanistan asks US for economic help; the USSR provides more They are dependent on foreign aid – 2/3 of budget – only 10% is taxes – why is this a problem in any nation?

18. Government Disconnected Govt. Functions are responsibility of leaders in tribal areas 1960-1970s – poor economy and unresponsive govt. leads to a coup ending constitutional monarchy New President Mohammed Daoud – not liked by USSR

19. Saur Revolution & USSR Invasion • Daoud imprisons Communist students protesting his rule • 4 days later – shot by Soviet supporters in Afghan army • http://choices.edu/resources/scholarsonline/edwards/de3.php • http://choices.edu/resources/scholarsonline/hopkins/bh11.php

20. Rise of Islamists in Afghanistan http://choices.edu/resources/scholarsonline/edwards/de4.php Islamist – someone who politicizes Islam The Taliban saves the day???

21. Taliban http://choices.edu/resources/scholarsonline/edwards/de8.php Read “My Forbidden Face” – What changes did the Taliban make? Any positives? http://choices.edu/resources/scholarsonline/edwards/de9.php

22. What are the divisions in Afghanistan today? http://choices.edu/resources/scholarsonline/edwards/de11.php