Historical Encyclopedia
The period following the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan in 1989 was marked by profound changes in the country, leading to prolonged conflict, political instability, and economic hardship. This period witnessed the emergence of new political forces, a rise in extremism, and external intervention, which had a significant impact on the fate of the Afghan people.
The withdrawal of Soviet troops in February 1989 was a significant milestone in the history of Afghanistan. However, it did not lead to the establishment of peace. On the contrary, the ensuing civil war led to intense conflict among various factions of mujahideen, which had previously united against Soviet intervention. The struggle for power and territorial control became the norm, and many of these groups began to use extremist methods.
In 1992, after the fall of the communist regime, power in the country passed to a coalition of mujahideen, but their disagreements soon led to a new wave of violence. The civil war reached its peak, and various factions began fighting each other for control of Kabul and other major cities.
In the early 1990s, amid the chaos and violence on the political stage of Afghanistan, a new force emerged — the Taliban. This Islamist group, primarily composed of students from religious schools, began to gain popularity by promising to restore order and stability in the country. In 1996, the Taliban captured Kabul and established a strict Islamic regime.
The policies of the Taliban included harsh restrictions on women’s rights, brutal punishments for offenses, and implementation of interpretations of Islamic law. These actions provoked widespread condemnation both within the country and abroad. Despite this, the Taliban managed to achieve a certain level of stability, albeit at the cost of suppressing freedoms and human rights.
The policies of the Taliban led to Afghanistan becoming isolated on the international stage. In 1998, the Taliban proclaimed itself the government of Afghanistan, but many countries, including the United States, refused to recognize it. The Taliban provided sanctuary to various terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda, which ultimately led to catastrophic consequences.
On September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the US, orchestrated by Al-Qaeda, became a turning point for Afghanistan. This event provoked an international response and the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. The US and its allies launched Operation Enduring Freedom, aimed at overthrowing the Taliban regime and destroying terrorist groups.
In October 2001, an intervention began, leading to the rapid overthrow of the Taliban regime. However, this initiated a new chapter in Afghanistan's history — the reconstruction of the country, which was accompanied by numerous challenges. The new government, led by Hamid Karzai, faced issues of corrupt bureaucracy, lack of infrastructure, and security.
The international community, including the UN and NATO, supported reconstruction efforts; however, the conflict with the Taliban persisted. The group resumed its activities and began launching attacks on government forces and international contingents, leading to continued violence in the country.
The reconstruction of Afghanistan following the fall of the Taliban faced a number of serious challenges. Security issues, poverty, corruption, and the lack of stable state institutions remained pressing concerns. Education and healthcare, although improved, still faced significant challenges.
Women, who had faced brutal restrictions during the Taliban regime, began to gain more rights but still encountered social and economic hardships. Many citizens sought normalization of life; however, stability remained fragile.
In the 2020s, the situation in Afghanistan remained unstable. Despite the peace agreements signed between the US and the Taliban in 2020, hostilities continued, and the country was still engulfed in uncertainty and violence. In August 2021, the Taliban regained power, provoking global concern and a humanitarian crisis.
Afghanistan, located at the crossroads of cultures and histories, continues to face difficult times. Its people, rich in history, are confronted with new challenges and strive for peace and prosperity. The future of the country remains uncertain, and the international community continues to monitor developments in the region.
The period after the Soviet intervention marked an important stage in Afghanistan's history. The country faced ongoing conflicts, internal political struggles, and external interventions, which had a long-term impact on its fate. Contemporary realities require a comprehensive approach to address the issues faced by the Afghan people and the involvement of the international community in aiding recovery and achieving lasting peace.