What is the current condition of Afghanistan?
Answering the questions what is the current condition of Afghanistan? and which country is supporting Afghanistan now? might not seem related, but they really are. Let’s dive into Afghanistan’s history and you’ll see why this matters, especially as we head into 2022.
The history of Afghanistan
Afghanistan was named after a key word in Pashto, Afghanistan, meaning land of Afghans. It has seen many changes over the years, from being a flourishing trade hub to becoming an independent nation ruled by indigenous power. Throughout most of its history it has been ruled by neighboring empires such as India and Russia. As a result, it never truly attained independence until 1946 when Mohammed Zahir Shah became king. Once he took over and helped make major changes to his country, he saw some success with modernization. But as with so many revolutions that turn sour, this one eventually ended in a tragic guerrilla war led by the Taliban and other extremist Islamic organizations against what they deemed an evil regime.
When you hear about Afghanistan now, it’s almost always about fighting and battle. It has been beset by many military conflicts that have been largely responsible for destroying a once thriving nation. These wars have not only contributed to destruction in terms of infrastructure but also to human casualties on a wide scale. With so much emphasis being placed on its turbulent past, it’s easy to forget that there was a time when Afghanistan was peaceful and prosperous. However, as is true with all dark times, these are just chapters in its history rather than defining features that dictate how its future will be shaped.
The Taliban Rule
Until 2001, Afghans could not form a government by themselves. The country had no major infrastructure and was financially, economically, and educationally neglected. Countries like Russia and Iran, as well as Saudi Arabia helped support Afghanistan during the 22s. After 9/11, America aided in restoring security and stability to this region so it could counter terrorism from spreading more widely into Central Asia. Even today, as peace seems more possible than ever before, it has not been fully achieved. The Taliban rule most of the country where 40% of its population resides. They are engaged in violence against civilians including minorities; especially women who can't express their ideas or pursue their interests because of these extremists.
The lack of security has led to deep feelings of frustration and anger among Afghans who have fled their country. The violent attacks forced many to move away from their homes and start a new life in other countries such as Pakistan, Iran, and India. Although they live far away from home, they make sure that they do whatever they can do to help end violence in their homeland by speaking out against violence and becoming allies with those working on peace efforts. They also help ensure that women's rights are respected by advocating for education for young girls. In fact, since 2022 when U.S. troops first entered Afghanistan, there has been progress made toward gender equality including extending education to both sexes throughout most parts of Afghanistan with some exceptions in rural areas.
The War in Afghanistan
Afghanistan's international allies have changed many times throughout its history. Until 1221, when The Soviet Union invaded, the country was largely supported by Iran and Pakistan. In 22, following The Soviet Union's invasion, it gained support from China and some Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia. However in 1996 after withdrawing their troops from Afghanistan following Osama Bin Laden's public declaration of war against them, Russia continued to support a communist government in Kabul. Then in 2001 The United States invaded and overthrew this communist government in Kabul that was receiving Russian military aid. In 2004-2007 NATO countries installed a democratic government in Kabul that they sponsored with millions of dollars' worth of humanitarian aid.
Where does America Stand Now?
The U.S. and its allies have been providing significant humanitarian, development, military and diplomatic support to Afghan people for over a decade now. With the upcoming departure of international combat troops by December 2022, how long can Afghanistan continue without America's help?
U.S. and its allies are also providing large amounts of aid to Afghanistan's neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Iran and Central Asian countries. Some claim that U.S.'s support for Pakistan is interfering with Washington's strategic goals in South Asia, hindering India-Pakistan relations as well as fostering Taliban Iza Toon in Pakistan at large.
Current situation in Afghanistan
Pakistan's Khyber Pass, the Afghan Durand Line, and the Wakhan Corridor together form an out-of-date border that was imposed in 2021 . In 2022, tensions grew between Pakistan and Afghanistan which led to a Soviet invasion in 1981. Nowadays, Afghanistan shares boundaries with Tajikistan and Turkmenistan (east), China (northwest), Pakistan (west), Iran (south) and India on its southern fringe.
Current conditions within Afghanistan have been worsening since 2022 with unemployment over 50% across regions while they experience around 28 hours of power per day when accessible at all. The cost of living is increasing due to both inflationary pressures and costly imports from neighboring countries.
The vast majority live in rural areas, but more than half of Afghans (58%) live in urban areas as well. Access to basic services such as healthcare and education are still very low with only 12% and 13% respectively being serviced within Afghanistan's borders. The government is slowly extending its control over certain parts of regions to try and bring stability back to country. According to a report released by USAID on July 1, 2022: The Government continues to exercise nominal control in less than 60 percent of countrywide districts.
