Transcript Kabul

Major Ethnic & Religious Groups
Pashtuns:
Uzbek:
Tajiks:
Hazara:
Descended from ancient Hebrews.
Turkish descent
Persian descent
Mongol people who
remained after the invasion
of Genghis Kahn.
Religion:
99% Muslim; Hazaras are Shi’ites;
small number of Hindus, Sikhs & Jews
Languages:
85% speak Pashtu & Dari (Persian dialect)
Turkmen & Uzbek spoken in the North
Definitions
Mullah
–
Most common application = title of religious leader or
religious teacher.
Fatihah
–
The first chapter of the Muslim book of divine revelation
(the Quran).
Taliban
–
–
Student. Former students of religious training institutes
set up in the 1980s for Afghan refugees in Northern
Pakistan.
Ethnic composition = Pashtun.
Definitions Continued
Jihad (Holy War)
 A religious duty to spread Islam by waging war.
 Fulfilled by the (1) heart, the (2) tongue, the (3) hand &
the (4) sword.
1. Purification of one’s heart (battle w/ devil)
2. & 3. Propagation of Islam through supporting right
and correcting wrong (communication).
4. Wage war physically against enemies of Islamic faith.
 Modern Islam emphasizes #1. Sanctions #4 only
when the faith is in danger.
Russian Invasion
The novel is set against the backdrop of the
Russian invasion and the subsequent rise of
the Taliban
Soviet invasion & occupation (1979-1989)
Taliban emerges after the withdraw of Soviet
troops & collapse of Afghanistan’s Communist
regime, and subsequent breakdown of civil
order.
Soviet Invasion
 (1964-73)
A constitutional monarchy
 (1973-78)
A military coup
 established Republic of Afghanistan.
 Strong economic & military ties to Russia.
 Oppresses Islamic majority.
 1975
Muslim group began armed insurrection
 1975-79 Fractions w/in Afghan communist party
 1979
Civil War breaks out
 1979
Russia invades. Fears communist
destabilization in Afghanistan & fears
Central Asian provinces are vulnerable to
the rise of Islamic fundamentalism.
Rise of the Taliban
1989, Soviets pull out & replace Babrak Karmal w/
Mohammad Najibullah
Najibullah declares a state of emergency & replaces noncommunist cabinet members w/ communists.
In response, the U.S. & Soviet governments end aid to the
government & rebels.
1992 rebels capture Kabul & force Najibullah out.
Mujahideen parties that fought against the communist set up
an interim government
Factions & disagreements emerge among mujahideen
parties.
1994, Taliban emerges in response to this situation
Mullah Mohammad Omar is the leader, a former mujahideen
fighter.
Taliban Continued
Taliban is the most conservative of Afghanistan’s
fundamentalist Islamic parties.
Northern Alliance (Uzbeks, Tajiks & Hazaras)
fought against Taliban rule.
Taliban is harshly criticized by domestic &
international voices.
Upon capture of Kabul the Taliban imposed rule
by strict Islamic law.
Women In Afghanistan
Under the constitutional monarchy’s (19641973)1964 constitution women:
– Voted
– Ran for office
1964 constitution provided for free &
compulsory education at all levels for males
and females.
Women under Taliban Rule
Read list
One Year After Taliban Overthrow
Girls School & Ruins of Kabul