Since 1978, Afghanistan has experienced nearly constant conflict, beginning with the Soviet invasion and installation of a communist government. Throughout the 1980s, mujahideen resistance fighters received support from the U.S. and others to combat Soviet forces. After the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, the mujahideen took control but then fractured and fought amongst each other, leading to civil war. The Taliban emerged in the 1990s and established control over most of the country, except for the northern alliance. In 2001, U.S.-led forces removed the Taliban from power following the 9/11 attacks, but conflict has continued as the Taliban wages an insurgency against the U.S.-backed Afghan government.

1. Conflict in Afghanistan
Since 1978, until today.
Part of the Cold War and War on
Terror

2. Democratic Republic of Afghanistan
(1978-1987)
• The country had a communist government.
• Help from the Soviet Union.
• Resistance forces: Mujahidin.
• In 1989 the USSR leave the country, but the
Afghan communists don’t fall until 1992.

3. The Mujahidin
• Meaning: Muslims who fight for God (Allah).
• Helped by many Arabian volunteers.
• Osama bin Laden: organizer and financier.
• Supported by: the US (CIA), Pakistan (ISI),
China (People’s Liberation Army), Saudi
Arabia.

5. 1992-1996
• Fall of the Communist government.
• The Mujahidin won the war and created a new
government.
• Establishment of the Islamic State of
Afghanistan.
• But this government falls and the Mujahidin
‘’split up’’.
• Another Civil War starts.

6. 1992-1996
• Belligerents: Islamic State of
Afghanistan, Taliban, Al Qaeda.
• There are other guerrillas but they surrender
because they lose support from other
countries.
• Result: the Taliban won.
• Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan 1996-2001.

7. Civil War 1996-2001
• Taliban don’t have complete control of the
country. The north remains the Islamic State
of Afghanistan.
• Belligerents: Taliban (Islamic Emirate of
Afghanistan) with Al Qaeda and Pakistan
against United Front (Islamic State of
Afghanistan).

8. -Taliban
-Flag of the Northern Alliance
(right).
-Map of Afghanistan

9. 2001-Today
• End of the Taliban government.
• Creation of the ISAF (International Security
Assistance Force).
• Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
• Killing of Osama bin Laden.
• New Afghan Government and Security Forces.
Force.
• Return of more than 5.7 million refugees to
Afghanistan.