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Afghanistan Occupation

Introduction

Afghanistan as a country has a history of invasion and occupation. From the time of Alexander the Great (as early as 330 BC), to the Soviet Union in the Cold War (1979), and finally to the longest on-going international war by the United States (2001-present). Afghanistan occupation is one of the most crucial geo-political wars of our time. Its importance lies not only in discussions on Afghanistan's sovereignty or US intervention. The US claims that the Afghanistan occupation is a global war on terrorism to retain at least some of the already-deteriorating public support. Pakistan, Afghanistan's neighbor also plays a crucial role in this political trinity - battling terrorism on the edge of a knife with strained relations with Afghanistan. NATO and US intentions of pulling back, however, have already been declared, and many believe that it is about time that the US and NATO end their long-drawn-out “war on terrorism”.

Discussion

Al Qaeda, Taliban and Terrorism in Afghanistan

The Al Qaeda operates as a worldwide terrorist network, responsible for the 9/11 attack, the devastation that followed, and being sought out by the US ever since. It is this pursuit and purpose of dismantling the Al Qaeda which led to the Afghan occupation by US and NATO forces in 2001. The Taliban are a terrorist, militant insurgency group that continues to wreak havoc in the country through an assortment of terrorist activities including targeted killing and bombing. The Taliban also spread terror among civilians, both Afghan and Pakistani, through threats and accepting responsibility for terrorist activities.

Founded by Osama bin Laden in the 80's, the al Qaeda's aims to root out Western “profanities” from Muslim countries and impose a strict, fundamentalist Islamic reign. Al Qaeda leaders have fled to the neighboring Pakistan and are also responsible for the spread of terrorism within Afghanistan's neighbor. The Al Qaeda is spread throughout Afghanistan and the northern, loosely governed areas of Pakistan that border Afghanistan. Taliban, who took control of Afghanistan in 1996 and maintained control of the country till 2001, support Al Qaeda. Although US-Taliban peace talks are being viewed as a medium of minimizing damage and destruction in the region, Afghans are somewhat wary of them.

Tactics to counter terrorism in Afghanistan are varied since 2001. Tactics to counter terrorism in the region include efforts to counter terrorism internally and internationally. The Northern Alliance assists the United States in rooting out Taliban and deterring Taliban activities. The Alliance comprises mostly of compromised factions in Afghanistan who oppose the fundamentalist Taliban regime. These factions consist of Shiite Muslims - a religious faction constantly targeted by Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan respectively due to religious differences. They also include Turks and Uzbeks, among others disadvantaged minorities.

US policy towards the Taliban was much more lax prior to 9/11. Washington did not recognize the Taliban rule over Afghanistan although Bush attempted several peace talks with them. The United Nations imposed severe sanctions on Afghanistan and isolated the Taliban. The United Nations Security Council passed several resolutions ...