UNA-ORLANDO - Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN

The first direct peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government began in Doha, Qatar, in September 2020. The United States agreed with the Taliban to remove combat forces in exchange for Taliban guarantees on counterterrorism and starting negotiations with the Afghan government on a political settlement and a cease-fire. Now U.S. forces will leave by September 11, 2021 — although without a cease-fire or a framework for a political settlement. The peace process remains a stalled but necessary process to achieve lasting stability in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the Taliban, Afghan government and international forces continue to battle for control of the countryside, with both battle deaths and civilian casualties near record highs in recent years. USIP

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LEARNING RESOURCES

US Exit from Afghanistan

Alliances and Factions

Historical Conditions

Relationship to Pakistan

LEARNING RESOURCES

Background

Timeline: U.S. War in AfghanistanThe Taliban surged back to power two decades after U.S.-led forces toppled its regime in what led to the United States’ longest war.

Taliban take over Afghanistan: What we know and what's nextThe Taliban have seized power in Afghanistan two weeks before the U.S. was set to complete its troop withdrawal after a costly two-decade war. The insurgents stormed across the country , capturing all major cities in a matter of days, as Afghan security forces trained and equipped by the U.S.

Taliban Claim Control Over Panjshir Valley, but Resistance Vows to Fight OnMilitants posted images apparently taken in Bazarak, the capital of Panjshir Province in Afghanistan, where opposition forces have fought against their rule.

US Exit from Afghanistan

Miscue After Miscue, U.S. Exit Plan UnravelsPresident Biden promised an orderly withdrawal. That pledge, compounded by missed signals and miscalculations, proved impossible.

Biden will withdraw all U.S. forces from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, 2021The military exit will be completed by the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that first drew the United States into its longest war.

Last troops exit Afghanistan, ending America's longest warWASHINGTON (AP) — The United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan late Monday, ending America’s longest war and closing a chapter in military history likely to be remembered for colossal failures, unfulfilled promises and a frantic final exit that cost the lives of more than 180 Afghans and 13 U.S.

Alliances and Factions

Is Afghanistan becoming battleground between Talibani Pashtuns and other ethnic groups?New Delhi: In December 2001, the participants at the UN talks on Afghanistan during the historic Bonn Conference, which led to the formation of Interim

What We Know About ISIS-K, The Group Behind The Kabul AttackA regional Islamic State affiliate is a major rival to the Taliban in Afghanistan. The U.S. says ISIS-K has long planned attacks on its personnel in the country.

Explainer: How dangerous is Afghanistan's Islamic State?The Islamic State offshoot that Americans blame for a deadly suicide attack outside the Kabul airport coalesced in eastern Afghanistan six years ago, and rapidly grew into one of the more dangerous terror threats globally.

Historical Conditions

A Historical Timeline of AfghanistanThe land that is now Afghanistan has a long history of domination by foreign conquerors and strife among internally warring factions.

Afghanistan, “graveyard of empires,” was once beautiful, vibrant and safeDecades of shattered peace and occupation triggered instability and a power vacuum that allowed the Taliban to emerge.

Navajo barista grandma keeps people caffeinated on Mutton CurveThe 93-year-old sání wearing a black visor and white apron on top of her purple shirt touches a button on an espresso machine. She laughs gleefully while

Relationship to Pakistan

How The U.S. Withdrawal From Afghanistan Affects PakistanAs Washington completes its military withdrawal from Afghanistan, NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Asad Khan, Pakistan's ambassador to the U.S., about diplomatic developments in the region.

What Pakistan Stands to Gain From the Taliban Takeover of AfghanistanAfter years of supporting the Taliban, Pakistan stands to gain strategically now that they again rule Afghanistan

The Real Winner of the Afghan War? It’s Not Who You Think.Pakistan, nominally a U.S. partner in the war, was the Afghan Taliban’s main patron, and sees the Taliban’s victory as its own. But now what does it do with its prize?

Aid Efforts

Afghanistan: UN humanitarian chief calls for ‘rights…well-being’ of womenWomen in Afghanistan play a “critical role” in delivering aid, the top UN Humanitarian told the leadership of the Taliban in Kabul on Sunday, calling on all parties to “ensure their rights, safety and well-being”.

AfghanistanThe International Rescue Committee provides vital support to Afghans who have endured four decades of violent conflict, as well as natural disasters and the spread of COVID-19.

Afghanistan: UN agencies urge Taliban to make good on promises to protect vulnerableAfghan civilians continue to bear the brunt of the Taliban takeover in the country where humanitarian needs remain critical and widespread among existing and newly displaced populations, UN agencies said on Tuesday.

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