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Although Afghanistan had a history of war, bloodshed, drug smuggling and family clans waging war against eachother, much of what is happening now can be traced back to the Cold War and its aftermath. Russia and the US chose Afghanistan as a battleground to fight their war. Russia invaded the country and had an actual presence on the ground while the US fought a proxy-war through arm deliveries to the Mujahedeen fighting the Russians. The constant influx of weapons militarized the society which caused almost total destruction after the Cold War. The Russians pulled out and the Americans took their hands of the country which resulted in a devastating civil war. The decision to turn their back towards this country is thought to be one of the key mistakes that resulted in 9/11. Because in the meanwhile it was the Taliban who conquered most parts of Afghanistan, and eventually Kabul, to bring peace and stability. At first they were welcomed as heroes. But with the peace and stability a costly price had to be paid in return: oppression and religious fundamentalisme. We all remember the broadcasting of the execution of women in the football stadion and the destruction of the Buddha statues in Bamyan.
In the end it was the refusal of the Taliban to give up Bin Laden that caused the US to call for airstrikes and to support the groundtroops of the Northern Alliance. Since then eight years have passed and the country is far from reconstructed not even stabilized. But there is hope. In August presidential elections are coming up and I'm truly grateful I will be in the country for this event. The whole world will be watching Afghanistan. Will the elections finally bring som tranquillity or is a democratic process like this an incentive for religious fundamentalist to cause more suffering. I will try to keep you updated through all the advantages it has to be present in Kabul. If I miss important events or trends please do not hesitate to put me on the right track or to ask me questions about a specific subject.
take care,
Gijoom
03-07-2009 om 11:58
geschreven door gijoom 
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