| Afghanistan passes its worst year since Taliban defeat |
|
|
|
| World Affairs Talk | |
| Friday, 26 January 2007 | |
|
Education establishments were Taliban’s targets all along; scores of school teachers including two women teachers were killed during the year. Talibans also set ablaze 110 schools, what they termed as un-Islamic educational institutes. Apart from the insurgencies, the year registered a record opium production showing an increase of over 60 percent compared to 2005. The funds generated from opium production and trades found its way to the Talibans to fund their militant campaign and other activities. Much to the ill fate, the country continues to have the highest infant-mortality rate in the world; according to the Afghan Health Ministry, more than 400 children below the age of five die every day in Afghanistan. The reconstruction and rehabilitation works were hampered as several construction agencies and NGOs have been forced to withdraw due to Taliban threats. Talibans are so strong in the south that they even issued directives that no agency can function without their approval to do so. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is located at the heart of Asia. The name Afghanistan means the "Land of Afghans"; which is bordered by Pakistan in the south and east, Iran in the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the north, and the People's Republic of China in the far northeast. In its recent history, Afghanistan has suffered almost continuous conflict since 1979, beginning with the Soviet invasion followed by a civil war and finally US intervention in 2001 which ultimately resulted ousting the Taliban government. In December 2001, the United Nations Security Council authorized the creation of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) which is composed of NATO troops with intention to assist the government of President Hamid Karzai in establishing authority across the nation. Over 18 billion US dollars have also been provided by the international community for the reconstruction of the country. Afghanistan’s President Karzai and his Foreign Minister, Dadfar Spanta continuously accused Pakistan and its intelligence agency ISI of actively providing funds, training, logistics and sanctuary to the Talibans throughout the year. They fear that with the active support of Pakistan authorities, Talibans might come with bigger and much fierce attacks in 2007. Much added to the fear, the NATO commander, General David Richards has warned that if the Alliance failed to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people by implementing development projects in the next six months, about 60 percent of the population would turn against the international forces and the Afghan Government, by intent or force. Share & Bookmark             |
| < Prev |
|---|
