5.2 Afghanistan Conflict

• What marked the 1990s in Afghanistan after the Soviet withdrawal in 1989?

  Prolonged conflict and instability
• The Taliban, led by Mullah Omar, imposed strict Islamic law and established control over much of Afghanistan.
• Match the faction with its leader and ideology:

  Taliban ↔️ Mullah Omar, Islamic fundamentalism

  Northern Alliance ↔️ Ahmed Shah Massoud, Loose coalition of mujahideen

  Afghan National Army ↔️ Various military commanders, Nationalist
• The Taliban's rise created a haven for international terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda
• Who led the Taliban when they emerged in the mid-1990s?

  Mullah Omar
• The Taliban's ideology was based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law.
• On what date did the 9/11 attacks occur?

  September 11, 2001
• Al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, cited U.S. support for Israel and its military presence in the Middle East as motivations
• Order the key impacts of the 9/11 attacks on U.S. foreign policy:

  1️⃣ The U.S. launched the "War on Terror"

  2️⃣ Increased security measures were implemented globally

  3️⃣ There was a shift towards military interventions in the Middle East
• Operation Enduring Freedom was launched by the U.S. in response to the 9/11 attacks.
• What was one of the primary objectives of Operation Enduring Freedom?

  Dismantle Al-Qaeda
• Another objective of Operation Enduring Freedom was to remove the Taliban from power for harbouring Al-Qaeda
• The 9/11 attacks led to a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and the launch of the "War on Terror."
• Which organization carried out the 9/11 attacks?

  Al-Qaeda
• The 9/11 attacks led to a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy
• The "War on Terror" was launched in response to the 9/11 attacks.
• What country did the U.S. invade to dismantle Al-Qaeda after 9/11?

  Afghanistan
• The9/11 attacks took place on September 11, 2001
• Osama bin Laden was the leader of Al-Qaeda during the 9/11 attacks.
• What were the immediate effects of the 9/11 attacks?

  Attacks on World Trade Center and Pentagon
• The immediate effects of the 9/11 attacks included devastating attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon
• The War on Terror led to increased military spending in the U.S.
• Who led Al-Qaeda during the 9/11 attacks?

  Osama bin Laden
• In response to 9/11, the U.S. launched the "War on Terror" and invaded Afghanistan
• The 9/11 attacks led to a global increase in security measures.
• What region was most profoundly affected by the 9/11 attacks?

  Middle East
• Operation Enduring Freedom was launched to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban
• One of the objectives of Operation Enduring Freedom was to capture or kill Osama bin Laden.
• Key events and turning points in the Afghanistan War (2001-2009)

  1️⃣ Invasion (October 2001)

  2️⃣ Battle of Tora Bora (December 2001)

  3️⃣ Operation Anaconda (March 2002)

  4️⃣ Taliban Resurgence (Mid-2000s)

  5️⃣ Shift to Counterinsurgency (Late 2000s)
• What was the significance of the Battle of Tora Bora in December 2001?

  Bin Laden escaped capture
• In the mid-2000s, the Taliban regrouped and increased attacks against coalition forces
• The Afghanistan conflict presented numerous humanitarian and military challenges.
• What were some of the military difficulties faced during the Afghanistan conflict?

  Combating insurgency
• Widespread displacement and famine were among the key humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan
• What were the two main types of challenges faced during the Afghanistan conflict?

  Humanitarian and military
• Humanitarian challenges included widespread displacement, famine, and social restrictions
• What were the military difficulties in the Afghanistan conflict?

  Combating an insurgency
• The Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law led to significant social restrictions, particularly for women.
• Main aims of international forces in Afghanistan

  1️⃣ Combat Al-Qaeda and the Taliban

  2️⃣ Support the Afghan government

  3️⃣ Aid in reconstruction and development
• Match the international force with its objective:

  U.S. forces ↔️ Dismantle Al-Qaeda

  NATO's ISAF ↔️ Maintain security

  UK forces ↔️ Train Afghan forces