Afghanistan: The Wounded Land

In the 1960s Afghanistan was divided between a westernized elite and a traditional largely poor majority of the population. A communist revolution set these contradictions on fire.

In 1979 the Soviet army entered Afghanistan. In reaction to his the Afghans called for Jihad against the godless invaders. The “Soviet Vietnam” began.

The Soviet army left Afghanistan but the war continued between Mujahideen commanders. The country fell into chaos until a new force emerged: the Taliban.

Following 9/11 and the overthrow of the Taliban an international coalition tried to bring peace and democracy to Afghanistan. But hopes were short-lived.