Afghanistan has been a hotbed of conflict for decades, and the turmoil is far from over. This article aims to provide an overview of the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, its roots, and where it stands today, serving as a valuable resource for those preparing for the IAS and UPSC exams.

The infamous Saur Revolution in 1978 marked a turning point in Afghanistan's history, as it paved the way for a communist government, led by Nur Muhammad Taraki. Taraki replaced the former president, Daoud Khan, and introduced a series of radical modernization reforms. However, these drastic changes did not sit well with the rural populace and traditional power structures, leading to widespread discontent. The government, divided and ruthless, suppressed all opposition, which eventually sparked the rise of various anti-government militant groups.

The Soviet Union, eyeing a potential ally in the communist government of Afghanistan, decided to intervene. On December 24, 1979, Soviet forces were deployed in Kabul, where they staged a coup, assassinated Amin, and installed Babrak Karmal, a Soviet ally, as the president. This move was perceived as an invasion by the USA and other Western nations. While the Soviets had control over urban areas, rural Afghanistan was dominated by insurgent groups known as the Mujahideen. A brutal war ensued, with the Soviets finding themselves embroiled in a costly conflict that showed no signs of abating.

The Mujahideen, determined to oust the Soviets, received support from countries like the USA, Pakistan, China, Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia in the form of arms and training. The Soviets responded by decimating rural regions, leading to a massive exodus of Afghan refugees to Pakistan, Iran, and India. The Soviet-Afghan war resulted in the death of approximately two million Afghan civilians.

In 1987, under the reformist Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet Union began the process of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, with the last troops leaving on February 15, 1989. The government of Afghanistan was left to fend for itself against the Mujahideen, who eventually seized control of Kabul in 1992. However, power disputes within the Mujahideen led the country into a devastating civil war.