The Kite Runner The Taliban Video Notes The

The Kite Runner The Taliban Video Notes

The Taliban o o Afghans defeat the USSR in 1989. Soviets leave a weak communist govt. when they withdraw. Experts say U. S. should have armed ALL groups to fight out control rather than just the extremists. U. S. distracted by fall of Berlin Wall, crisis in Soviet Union, and invasion of Kuwait.

o o U. S. wanted to punish Soviets, not help Afghans. No coherent govt. allows Taliban to take control. U. S. says Afghans have to settle civil war for themselves. Talib = student; Taliban = students-of -Islam-led group

o o Taliban was initially welcomed for providing stability and security. Mullah = holy man Mullah Omar believes Muslims should live life as Mohammed did – strict interpretation of the Koran. Taliban force grows from panic.

o o o Radio stations forced to broadcast Islamic law to people: no shaving, no TV/music, women must stay home. New ally – Al Qaeda with Osama Bin Laden on run from attacks, expelled from Saudi Arabia, hiding in Sudan. 10/96: Al Qaeda attacks begin; OBL builds friendship with Mullah Omar.

o o o MO needs OBL’s $$$ - OBL needs MO’s protection. OBL ingratiates self to Taliban and Al Qaeda share a sense of fighting a holy war to protect Islam from the West.

o o o 1989 – two U. S. embassies bombed by Al Qaeda. U. S. told the Taliban that they were being held responsible for the Al Qaeda’s actions, too. Al Qaeda is stronger than Taliban; Taliban is tolerated by AQ b/c they used AQ resources.

o o o 9/9/2001 – OBL agents kill Taliban opposition leader – big favor for Taliban! U. S. wants combined North/South forces to take over Kabul, but Northern alliance rushes in first. Tora Bora – OBL hiding in caves; U. S. forces not used to rugged terrain; OBL escapes to Pakistan

o o o Mullah Omar also disappears. 2004 – 1 st Afghan democratic election OBL killed on 5/2/2011 in Pakistan Today Afghanistan is about a 50% democracy. Life has improved for women. The opium trade has resurfaced.