Afghanistan

by Johnson, Chris

• ISBN13: 9780855983857
• ISBN10: 085598385X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-12-01
• Publisher: Oxfam Pubns

Summary

Presents a concise account of the historical and political background to the present situation in Afghanistan a country at the meeting-point of south, west, and central Asia. Because of its strategic position, Afghanistan became a setting for a proxy war between Russia and the Western powers during the 1980s. Since the withdrawal of Russian troops in 1989, and a consequent loss of interest on the part of Western countries, Afghanistan has seen the rise of local militia leaders, a slow disintegration of central government, and a descent into anarchy. More recently the Taliban, a strict and dogmatic Islamic force, have extended their power over most of the country. Afghanistan: A Land in Shadow examines how this history of war and armed resistance has affected the lives of ordinary people, and finds examples of how people are rebuilding their lives and maintaining the bonds of family and tradition, despite the suffering and poverty.

Table of Contents

Introduction	5	(6)
Land, People, and society	6	(11)
History	17	(11)
Enter the Taliban	28	(4)
Of aid and arms	32	(4)
Refugees	36	(5)
The law and human rights	41	(2)
Islam	43	(2)
Women	45	(4)
Kabul	49	(3)
Mines	52	(3)
Education	55	(3)
Health	58	(4)
Drugs	62	(2)
An economy in ruins	64	(2)
In conclusion	66	(3)
Oxfam in Afghanistan	69	(1)
Facts and figures	70	(1)
Further reading	70	(1)
Glossary and abbreviations	71