Make Sense of Afghanistan With Thomas Barfield

Afghanistan's US-installed democracy collapsed after 20 years of US-led modernization and reform attempts.

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Afghan history: No consensus in democracy, monarchy sought power, retained independence amid British influence.

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Amanullah introduced reforms, faced civil war, unrest. Fled into exile, successors killed due to modernization attempt.

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Mohammed Zahir Shah became king, uncles held power. Regime stuck to tradition, peace for 50 years.

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Daoud Khan's coup ended monarchy. He became president but seen as another king. Suppressed right-wing, ousted.

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Civil wars shaped Afghanistan, communists inspired by Amanullah, tried socialism, failed to impose order.

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Brezhnev-led Soviet invasion in 1979. Ten-year war, one million Afghans dead. Najibullah's fate sealed in 1991.

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Najibullah negotiated with mujahideen, ethnic power-sharing. Warlords took over, leading to savage civil war.

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Chaos hurt mujahideen's image. Taliban backed by Pakistan took over. 9/11 led to US invasion, Taliban ousted.

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US-created democracy: weak leaders, no people connection, corruption, misgovernance, disregard for popular support.

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Afghanistan leaders ruled selfishly, siphoned foreign aid, corruption buying power or money, state left powerless.

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Ghani's government failed post-US pull-out, Taliban swiftly took over, capturing cities, including Kabul effortlessly.

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Afghan history: regime failure, easy takeovers, illusion of power. Despite instability, it endures without breaking up.

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Afghanistan's culture: ethnicity and nationality differ, no urge for ethnic states. Analyzing Taliban's objectives.

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Taliban's harsh treatment of women, strict separation, educated urban women resist their new norms.

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Afghanistan's future uncertain. Crisis looming, food insecurity, regime's inability to cooperate, risking support loss.

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Taliban support wanes, internal factions may emerge, women's issue and economic hardship could lead to divisions.

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