The Reasons Behind Afghanistan's Ongoing War
The US, along with its allies, invaded Afghanistan in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York. The aim was to dismantle the terror infrastructure and eliminate Al-Qaeda, which was given a safe haven in Afghanistan by the Taliban. The war continues as the Taliban has not been completely eradicated by the US and NATO, largely due to the covert support provided by Pakistan. President Trump has expressed his desire to end the war and has initiated a phased withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. However, with President Biden's recent ascension to power, there could be changes in the US policy.
Outcome of the Soviet-Afghan War
The Soviet-Afghan war commenced on December 24, 1979, and concluded on February 15, 1989. It began when the Afghanistan Communist Party took control of the country and initiated a modernization drive. This was met with resistance from certain sections of the society, leading to a war against the Soviet Union. The Afghan Mujahideen, supported by the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, fought the war. It eventually culminated in the Soviet Union's defeat in 1989, plunging the country into a perennial state of war due to the Taliban's policy of harboring terrorism.
US Aid to Afghanistan
The United States of America provides approximately $4 billion in military aid and $500 million in civilian aid to Afghanistan annually. Foreign aid accounts for about 75% of Afghanistan's public expenditures each year. However, in March 2020, American officials announced an immediate reduction in aid to Afghanistan by $1 billion, threatening further cuts in the following year.
India-Afghanistan Relations
The above information would be helpful for candidates preparing for
UPSC 2022
.
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