H/W James Troop – Kite Runner Context 23/4/24

Notes on the History of Afghanistan

The Rule of Kings in Afghanistan to 1973:

• Early History: Afghanistan has a rich history, with ancient history tracing back to
various empires and kingdoms, including the Achaemenid Empire, Alexander the Great's
conquests, and the Kushan Empire.
• The Durrani Empire (1747-1973): Established by Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1747, the
Durrani Empire marked the beginning of a modern Afghanistan. Ahmad Shah and his
successors, known as "Amir" or "King," ruled over a decentralized empire characterized by
tribal allegiances.
• British Influence and Independence: Afghanistan became a buffer state between the
British and Russian Empires during the 19th century, both wanting control over Central Asia.
The Anglo-Afghan wars shaped Afghan-British relations, leading to the Treaty of Rawalpindi
in 1919, which recognized Afghan independence.
• Modernization Efforts: Various kings attempted to modernize Afghanistan,
including Amanullah Khan, who introduced social reforms and sought to reduce British
influence. However, his reforms faced resistance, leading to his overthrow in 1929.

The Republic, Unrest, and Civil War in Afghanistan, 1973-92:

• Republic of Afghanistan (1973-1978): In 1973, King Zahir Shah was ousted in a

coup led by his cousin, Mohammad Daoud Khan, establishing a republic. Daoud's rule faced
challenges from leftist and Islamist groups, as well as regional tensions.
• Soviet Intervention (1979-1989): The Soviet Union intervened in Afghanistan in
1979 to support the communist government against mujahideen rebels. The ensuing conflict
became a Cold War proxy war, with the United States and other countries providing support
to the mujahideen.
• Mujahideen Resistance and Civil War: The mujahideen, supported by various
factions, fought against the Soviet-backed government. Following the Soviet withdrawal in
1989, Afghanistan plunged into a devastating civil war as different mujahideen factions
fought for power.
• Rise of the Taliban: Amidst the chaos, the Taliban emerged in the early 1990s,
promising stability and Islamic governance. They gradually gained control over much of the
country, imposing strict Islamic law.

The Islamic State of Afghanistan, 1992-Now:

• Taliban Rule (1996-2001): By 1996, the Taliban had captured Kabul and established
the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Their rule was marked by strict use of Islamic law,
human rights abuses, and international isolation.
• Post-9/11 and US Intervention: Following the 9/11 attacks, the United States led a
military intervention in Afghanistan to dismantle terrorist networks, including the Taliban
regime, which had harboured Osama bin Laden. The Taliban were swiftly ousted from
power, leading to the establishment of the Afghan Interim Authority.
• Reconstruction and Instability: Despite efforts to rebuild Afghanistan, the country
has faced ongoing instability due to insurgency, corruption, and ethnic tensions. Various
Afghan governments have struggled to establish authority and maintain security.
H/W James Troop – Kite Runner Context 23/4/24

• Current Situation: In 2021, The Taliban resurfaced in Afghanistan and reseized

power. This led to strict Islamic laws returning, the banning of jobs and education for women
and women being forces to wear head-to-toe coverings like burqas.