AFGHANISTAN A VIEW
Afghanistan is located in South-Central Asia. Afghanistan, a key trade route linking South and East Asia with Europe and the Middle East, has long been a coveted prize for empire-builders, and over the millennia great armies have attempted to subdue it by erecting grand monuments have erected memories of their efforts. The signs are now in ruins. The country's dangerous desert and mountain landscape put an end to many imperial ambitions, Afghanistan's modern borders were set in the 19th century in the context of the rivalry between Imperial Britain and Tsarist Russia, which Rudyard Kipling dubbed "the great game". Modern Afghanistan became a front in the struggle for political ideology and commercial clout. In the last quarter of the 20th century, Afghanistan suffered the devastating effects of a civil war, exacerbated by the military invasion and occupation of the Soviet Union (1979–89). In subsequent armed conflicts, a surviving Afghan communist regime opposed Islamist insurgents (1989–92), and after a brief rule by mujahideen groups, a hard-line movement of religious students – the Taliban – took the country's ruling parties and warlords to task. rose up against it and established a theocratic regime (1996-2001) that soon fell under the influence of a group of well-funded Islamists led by a Saudi Arabian exile, Osama bin Laden. The Taliban regime collapsed in December 2001 amid an ongoing US-dominated military campaign against Taliban fighters and bin Laden's al-Qaeda organization. Shortly thereafter, anti-Taliban forces agreed on a period of transitional leadership and government that would result in a new constitution and the formation of a democratically elected government.
From History to Present: The Evolution of the "Afghanistan Flag"
Flags are more than just a piece of cloth; They are powerful symbols that represent the history, values and aspirations of a country. The flag of Afghanistan, with its striking colors and intricate design, has a story that stretches back centuries and reflects the country's journey through times of upheaval and conquest.
Historical Roots:
The history of the flag of Afghanistan is linked to the various dynasties that ruled the region over the years. The earliest documented flag was used during the Hotaka dynasty in the 18th century, consisting of a simple green field with a black inscription. However, the iconic tricolor pattern, which is still present in the modern Afghan flag, did not begin to emerge until the late 19th century.
The Tricolor Design:
The modern "Afghanistan flag" is characterized by three vertical stripes of black, red and green from left to right. These colors are deeply rooted in the country's history and hold significant meaning. The black stripe symbolizes the dark past and the struggles endured by the Afghan people, while the red stripe represents the bloodshed and sacrifices of those who fought for the country's independence. The green stripe symbolizes hope for a better future and the resilience of the Afghan people.
King Amanullah Khan's Influence:
One of the defining moments in the development of the flag of Afghanistan was during the reign of King Amanullah Khan in the early 20th century. In 1928, he introduced a new design, which included a central symbol known as the "Mehr-e-Murasa" or "Illuminating Sun". This symbol was placed at the intersection of the three colored stripes and symbolized progress, unity, and modern Afghanistan. The design was widely adopted and continued to evolve over the years.
Turbulent Times and Changes:
The flag of Afghanistan, like the nation itself, experienced periods of change and upheaval. Various rulers and regimes brought about modifications in the design of the flag, reflecting changes in political ideologies and power dynamics. However, the basic symbolism of the tricolor pattern and colors remained constant, serving as a reminder of Afghanistan's enduring identity.
Return to Tradition:
In the wake of political change and the fall of the Taliban regime, the original tricolor design was reinstated as the official "Afghanistan flag" in 2002. The move marks a return to the country's historical roots and a commitment to preserve its cultural heritage. The flag once again flew proudly, representing the nation's resilience and determination to rebuild.
Present and Future:
Today, the flag of Afghanistan stands as a beacon of hope and unity for the Afghan people. It is a symbol of the country's rich history, diverse culture and unwavering spirit. Despite the challenges Afghanistan has faced over the years, the flag continues to inspire citizens and international observers alike with its message of strength and renewal.
The evolution of the "flag of Afghanistan" is a testament to the country's enduring identity and ability to overcome and adapt to challenges. From its historical origins to the present day, the colors and design of the flag represent the journey of the Afghan people through times of adversity and triumph. As the flag continues to fly, it reminds us all of the power of symbols to unite, inspire and connect with the heart of the nation.President Joe Biden
Afghanistan
The Hindu Kush
The northern lowland extends from the Iranian border in the north of the central highlands to the Ausläufern of the Pamirs near the border with Tajikistan in the east. It covers about 103,000 km² of flat and fertile outcrops, which gently fall into the Amu Darya (the old river Oxus). The region is part of the much larger Central Asian subcontinent and is separated from it by the river Amudarya. The average height is about 2,000 feet (600 m). The northern lowland is intensively cultivated and densely populated. In addition to fertile soil, the region has rich natural resources, especially natural gas reserves.
South of the Central Highlands lies the Southwest Plateau, a region of plateaus, sandy deserts, and semi-deserts. The average elevation is about 3,000 feet (900 m). The southwestern plateau covers an area of about 130,000 square kilometers, a quarter of which is the sandy R5gestan region. To the west of the desert lies the small Margo desert with salt flats and dry plains. Several major rivers cross the southwestern plateau; These include the He3mand River and its main tributary, the Arghandab.
Most of Afghanistan is between 2,000 and 10,000 feet (600 and 3,000 m) high. With the Amu Darya to the north and the Helmand River Delta to the southwest, the elevation is about 2,000 feet (600 m). The Sistan Depression of the Southwest Plateau is about 450 to 500 meters high.
People
Ethnic group
No census has been conducted in Afghanistan since a partial census in 1979, and years of war and displacement have made an accurate ethnic census impossible. current population
The Hindu Kush divides the country into northern and southern regions,
which can be further subdivided based on topography, national and
ethnolinguistic settlement patterns, or historical tradition. For
example, northern Afghanistan can be divided into the Badakhshan-Wakhan
region in the east and the Balkh-Memneh region in the west. The east,
which mainly consists of a group of mountains and plateaus, is mainly
inhabited by Tajiks. Although there are areas with Tajiks in other parts
of the country, in the east they tend to live on the plains - where
they are mainly farmers and artisans - and are semi-sedentary in the
higher valleys. Tajiks are undivided tribal groups. There are also a small number of Kyrgyz people in Wakhan in the extreme northeast where they practice pastoralism.Afghan pop star Aryana Saeed
Mostly
lowland, the west is a mixed race, with Uzbeks and Turkmens, both of
Turkish origin, predominating. Uzbeks are generally farmers, while
Turkmens have traditionally been semi-nomadic pastoralists. The largest Turkic-speaking group in Afghanistan are Uzbeks . There are other smaller Turko-Mongol groups as well.
Southern
Afghanistan can be divided into four regions: Kabui, Kandahar, Herat
and Hazarajat. The Kabul Region includes the area drained by the Kabul
River and the high plateau in eastern Afghanistan, bounded by the Gaumal
(Gumal) River to the south. This region is the main corridor connecting
other regions and their people.The traditional place of birth of the Pashtuns lies east, south and southwest of Kabul, however the institution is also strongly represented inside the west and north.
The Pashtuns are divided into several tribes, some sedentary and others
nomadic, and many live in contiguous areas of Pakistan. The region is
also inhabited by Tajiks, and the Nuristanis inhabit an area about 5,000
square miles (13,000 km²) north and east of Kabul.
The Kanadhar
region is a sparsely populated part of southern Afghanistan. The Durrani
Pashtuns, who are the traditional center of Afghanistan's social and
political elite, live in the area around the city of Kandahar, which
lies in a fertile oasis near the Arghandab River, and in the Ghilzeh
region between Kabul and Kandahar. , In addition, there are also small
numbers of Baluchis (Baluchi) and Brahui in the region.
The Herat
region or western Afghanistan is inhabited by a mixture of Tajiks,
Pashtuns and Chahar aimaks. The life of this region revolves around the
city of Herat. Judging by their appearance and their dwellings
(Mongolian-style yurts), the Chahar aimaks are probably of Turkish or
Turkish-Mongolian origin. They are mainly located in the western part of
the central mountain region.
The mountainous region of Hazarajat
is located in the central part of the country and is mainly inhabited
by the Hazara people. However, due to the scarcity of land, many people
have migrated to other parts of the country. Despite being in the middle
of the country, Sazarajat is the most isolated part of Afghanistan due
to its high mountains and poor communications.President Joe Biden
Languages of Afghanistan
The people of Afghanistan form a complex set of ethnic and linguistic groups. Pashto and Persian (Dari), both Indo-European languages, are the country's official languages. Two-fifths of the population speak Pashto, the language of the Pashtuns, while about half speak a Persian dialect. While the Afghan Farsi dialect is commonly referred to as "Dari", a number of dialects are spoken among the Tajik, Hazara, Chahar Aimak and Kizi3bash peoples, including dialects that may have originated in Iran (Persian) or Persian. Similar to Persian. Farsi is spoken in Tajikistan (Tajik). Many Turkish and Mongolian words are found in the Dari and Tajik dialects, and transitions from one dialect to another are often invisible across the country. Bilingualism is widespread and the attribution of language to ethnic group is not always accurate. For example, some non-Pashtuns speak Pashto, while a large number of Pashtuns, particularly in urban areas, have adopted the use of a Persian dialect.
Religion
Other Indo-European languages spoken by smaller groups
include West Dardic (Nuristani or Kafiri), Balochi, and several Indian
and Pamirian languages spoken mainly in isolated valleys in the
north-east. The Turkic languages are spoken by the Uzbek and Turkic
peoples, recent residents related to the steppe peoples of Central Asia.
The Turkic languages are closely related; Inside Afghanistan
The Blue Mosque at Mazār-e Sharīf, Afghanistan.
Urban settlement
Only about one-fourth of the population is
urban. Most of the urban settlements developed along the road that ran
from Kabul southwest to Kandahar, then northwest to Herat, northeast to
Mazar-i-Sharif, and southeast back to Kabul. The distribution of rural farmers and nomads across the country is
characterized by unevenness, with a predominant concentration along the
river regions.
The most densely populated part of the country is between the cities of
Kabul and Charikar. Other concentrations of people can be found near
Jalalabad to the east of the city of Kabul, in the Herat oasis and the
valley of Harirud to the northwest, and in the valley of the Konduz
River to the northeast. The central part of the country is marked by towering mountains, while
the southern and southwestern deserts remain sparsely populated or
completely uninhabited.
The
major cities of Afghanistan are Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Baghlan,
Jalalabad, Kondoz, Charikar and Mazar-e Sharif. Kabul is the
administrative capital of the country, located south of the Hindu Kush
at the crossroads of trade routes between the Indian subcontinent and
Central Asia and the Middle East and East Asia. It is built on both
sides of the Kabui River and is the main center of economic and cultural
activity. Kandahar, second only to Kabul in population, is located in
the south-central part of the country on the Asian Highway between Kabul
and Herat. In 1747, under the leadership of Ahmad Shah Durrani,
Kandahar became the first capital of modern Afghanistan.
Rural settlement
Small villages are the common abode of sedentary farmers, often
dispersed alongside irrigated land within the valleys of prominent
rivers. These villages are usually built in the form of small forts. Each
fort-village consists of a number of mud houses inhabited by close-knit
families that form a defensive community.
Within the elevated alpine valleys, reside semi-sedentary farmers engaged in livestock rearing and limited crop cultivation. Since cultivable land is scarce there, they live in scattered isolated
settlements. Each family owned some livestock, which were taken to
highland pastures in the summer. The people usually divide themselves
into two groups in the summer: one group stays in the village to tend to
the crops, while the other goes with the livestock to the highlands.
The main nomadic communities are mainly made up of pastoralists, including Baluchi and Kyrgyz nomads, who number in the thousands. These groups migrate seasonally between summer and winter pastures,
organized into tribes or clans. Their dwelling comprises tents, and
their belongings are transported by camels, donkeys, and cattle.
Historically, around one-sixth to one-fifth of the total population were
classified as nomadic. However, starting from 1977, some nomads began
settling in the plains north of the Hindu Kush or within the vicinity of
the Helmand Valley irrigation project. Notably, prolonged periods of
civil unrest have disrupted the traditional migration patterns of these
nomads, leading to a significant decline in their population.
Demographic trends
The establishment of
the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan in 1978, the Soviet invasion of
the country the following year, and the ongoing conflict that followed
the Soviet withdrawal in 1989 severely disrupted the country's
population patterns. The civil struggle and the destruction of towns and villages led to mass
movements of humans in most important directions: emigration in
particular to Pakistan and Iran, or inner resettlement within the
relative protection of Kabul. Kabul's population is anticipated to have
doubled. Kabul covers nearly half of the united states of america's city
population. Afghanistan's population is predominantly rural;
approximately half of the populace is under 15 years of age. life
expectancy is approximately fifty one years for guys and 54 years for
girls.
Decades
of war and its consequences have destroyed the stability of the
population. In the late 1980s some 6 million people – perhaps a third of
the Afghan population at the time – were refugees, mainly because of
the Afghan war. About 3.5 million were living in Pakistan, and perhaps
another 20 million were in Iran. Although many people were repatriated
during the 1990s, continued civil conflict, economic hardship, prolonged
and severe drought, the Afghanistan War, and the security transition
following the 2014 withdrawal resulted in a significant increase in
internally and externally displaced people after 2000. The numbers
increased again. foreign soldier. As of 2016, there were over 2.5
million refugees registered abroad, and over 1 million people internally
displaced.
Economy Overview
When Afghanistan began
planning the development of its economy with Soviet assistance in the
mid-1950s, it lacked not only the social organization and institutions
necessary for modern economic activity, but also the managerial and
technical skills . The country was at a much lower level of economic
development than most of its neighbors. However, between 1956 and 1979,
the country's economic growth was guided by several Five-Year and
Seven-Year Plans and received extensive foreign aid.
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the resulting internal conflict significantly hindered the country's progress in terms of economic advancement."
Agricultural production declined, food shortages were reported, and
industrial production stagnated, with the exception of natural gas
production and a few other industries deemed essential by the Soviet
Union. The private sector during the Soviet period mainly covered
agriculture and animal husbandry. Previously there had been a mixed
pattern of small, medium, and large estates, but this system underwent a
drastic change, particularly after 1978. Most trade and transportation,
as well as most manufacturing, was in the hands of private
entrepreneurs. until the late 1970s, when these sectors of the economy were nationalised. The public company was limited to foreign trade, mining and some industries.
A
balanced budget was achieved with income derived mainly from the sale
of natural gas and foreign loans and donations. Expenditures were mainly
for government ministries, the development budget, and foreign debt
interest. The socialist government promised to develop a mixed and
command economy.However, in practice, the effectiveness of this policy was limited by scarce government resources, cumbersome bureaucracy, and a lack of technical personnel.
Economic collapse
As low as the Afghan economy fell during the period of communist rule, it declined further under the subsequent rule of the Mujahideen and the Taliban. After more than two decades of war, and in the face of the Taliban's
harsh social policies, few educated Afghans with rudimentary technical
skills remained in the country. Indeed, any remnants of a modern
economy—at least a formal and legal one—greatly collapsed during the
1990s.
Foreign aid agencies and groups, government and non-government,
provided the few services available, but these only covered basic
humanitarian needs.
During the 1990s, economic activity
flourished mainly in illicit enterprises, such as opium poppy
cultivation for heroin production and the smuggling of goods. Taxing
Afghan-Pakistani trade contributed a lot of revenue to the Taliban's war
chest. As the Taliban's main source of income, it eclipsed taxes on the
opium trade. But that part of the trade, which involves massive
smuggling of duty-free goods, crippled local industry and revenue
collection, and created temporary food shortages, inflation and
increased corruption in Afghanistan and neighboring countries. Poppy
cultivation was the farmers' main source of income, but they shared
little of their total earnings. However, the drug economy provided
essential revenues that allowed the Taliban to continue their war
effort. By the late 1990s, Afghanistan had become the world's largest
opium producer and was thought to be the main source of heroin exported
to Europe, North America and elsewhere. Although the Taliban
successfully banned the cultivation of opium poppies in 2000, the drug
trade continued due to the country's large stockpiles of opium. Production bounced back after the fall of the Taliban in 2001 and reached record levels in 2017.
The revival of the opium trade enriched both corrupt government
officials and the Taliban insurgency, which was believed to rake in tens
of millions of dollars a year. of the industry.
Challenges stemming from the allure of the illicit drug trade and smuggling have severely impacted traditional agriculture, leading to a significant reduction in food production. Consequently, Afghanistan has turned to importing a substantial portion of its foodstuffs from neighboring Pakistan. Previously, the nation's cultivable land was dedicated mainly to cereal crops, particularly wheat, with additional staples like corn, rice, and barley. The cultivation of cotton played a dual role, supporting both domestic textile needs and export markets. Fruits and nuts also held notable positions in the country's export sector.
Animal husbandry contributes meat and dairy products for local consumption, along with valuable materials such as skins, notably the renowned karakul, and wool used both for domestic carpet weaving and international trade. Livestock species include sheep, cattle, goats, donkeys, horses, camels, buffalo, and mules. Cows contribute a majority of the annual milk production, with sheep and goats contributing the rest. In the face of various challenges, including a severe drought in 2000, which decimated a significant portion of livestock in southern Afghanistan, the livestock industry perseveres.
Forest cover accounts for about 3 percent of Afghanistan's land area, mainly concentrated in the eastern region and the southern slopes of the Hindu Kush mountains. Coniferous woodlands in the east offer timber for construction and wild nuts for export. Other tree species, particularly oaks, serve as a vital fuel source. North of the Hindu Kush, pistachio trees thrive, with their nuts being a traditional export commodity. The country faces a pressing issue of deforestation, as two decades of conflict have led to extensive timber harvesting for fuel and illegal export.
Mineral Resources and Energy Potential
The country harbors other valuable minerals, such as high-grade iron ore, copper, and uranium, with various mining locations across the landscape. These resources also include copper, lead, zinc, beryllium, chrome ore, lapis lazuli, rock salt, and more. Lapis lazuli and emeralds were even used to fund anti-Taliban forces during the civil war. International interest in Central Asian energy resources has positioned Afghanistan as a potential transit route for pipelines to South Asian and other markets. A pipeline project initiated in 2018 aims to transport gas and oil from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan to Pakistan, promising economic opportunities and employment prospects.
Hydroelectricity represents another potential source of energy in Afghanistan. Despite the seasonal flow of streams and waterfalls, which is abundant during spring but meager in summer due to snowmelt, the construction of dams and reservoirs in remote areas remains a costly venture. The country's modest electricity demand limits the profitability of such projects, rendering them viable mainly near urban centers or industrial hubs. As of now, the potential of hydroelectricity has been primarily harnessed in the Kabul-Jalālābād region.
Manufacturing and Finance in "Afghanistan"
During periods of peace, Afghanistan's manufacturing sector primarily relies on agricultural and pastoral resources. A significant industry is the cotton textile sector, complemented by the production of rayon and acetate fibers. The country also engages in the manufacturing of cement, sugar, vegetable oil, furniture, soap, shoes, and woolen textiles. Notably, a nitrogenous fertilizer plant utilizing natural gas has been established in Mazār-e Sharīf, and the production of phosphate fertilizers is also underway. A cement factory remains operational in Pol-e Khomrī. Furthermore, Afghanistan boasts a range of traditional handicrafts, with carpet weaving being particularly prominent, once contributing significantly to the country's export revenues.
Financial Landscape of "Afghanistan"
At the core of Afghanistan's formal banking system, the Bank of Afghanistan stands as the largest financial institution. It has historically played a crucial role in shaping and implementing the nation's financial policies. Additionally, private money traders have traditionally fulfilled many functions of a commercial bank. The afghani, the national currency, underwent substantial inflation starting in the 1990s, leading to precious metals and gems becoming prevalent forms of currency for major transactions.
In 1999, a United Nations sanction against the Taliban regime resulted in the freezing of government accounts abroad and the closure of Afghan bank branches outside the country. Notwithstanding these measures, the Taliban and its al-Qaeda associates managed to extract considerable quantities of bullion and currency during the 2001 U.S. military intervention, causing significant financial strain.
In the decade following the fall of the Taliban, Afghanistan's financial sector underwent rapid expansion. However, the banking system grappled with issues of corruption and fraud.
Daily Life and Social Customs
Afghanistan's daily life and social customs are deeply influenced by religion. Even prior to the rise of the Taliban, the nation experienced a process of Islamization, with alcohol sales banned and women encouraged to adhere to traditional Muslim attire. The Taliban further enforced strict Islamic codes in areas under their control, which included bans on television and most forms of entertainment. The extremist group imposed regulations such as mandatory beard growth for men and harsh punishments for perceived violations.
Women's lives saw significant changes over time, transitioning from voluntary veil-wearing in the 1960s to restrictions on education and employment during the Taliban's rule. Since the Taliban's downfall, Afghanistan has faced the arduous task of rebuilding its war-ravaged society. While improved stability has led to a more reliable food supply, concerns about malnutrition persist, exacerbated by agricultural neglect and the extended drought.https://pajhwok.com/
While the Taliban's ban on entertainment has been lifted, post-Taliban Afghanistan continues to grapple with challenges in areas such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity distribution. The resumption of activities like kite flying and football, along with the reopening of schools and renewed participation of women in the workforce, has brought some positivity to daily life. However, traditional attire and customs still hold sway, particularly in urban areas.
The Arts and Cultural Expression
In the realm of music and dance,
Afghanistan has witnessed a resurgence of traditional folk songs
alongside the incorporation of modern Western and Indian musical
influences. Although Afghan music is different from Western and Asian music in many ways, such as scales, note intervals, pitch, and rhythm, it is more like Western music. Public dancing is a hallmark of celebrations like religious or national
holidays and weddings. The attan dance, performed outdoors, has deep
roots in Afghan society, evolving from being the national dance of the
Pashtun to encompass the entire nation. However, during the rule of the
Taliban, all musical and dance performances were prohibited due to their
perceived violation of Islamic principles.
Afghanistan boasts a
rich literary heritage spanning diverse ethnic and linguistic
traditions. Notably, Herāt has stood as a prominent center for Persian
literary and scholarly pursuits. Figures like al-Hamadhani in the 10th
century and Jami in the 15th century left their marks on Arabic and
Persian literature, respectively. The city of Balkh, a historic seat of
learning, saw the birth of renowned poets like Jalal al-Din al-Rumi. In
the 17th century, Khushḥāl Khan Khaṭak pioneered Pashto literature.
Archaeological
endeavors from 1922 onward have unveiled numerous artistic treasures
from both pre-Islamic and Islamic eras. A rekindling of traditional arts
and a growing interest in innovative forms of expression have injected
fresh energy into artistic creation. Contemporary painters find
inspiration from the 15th-century Timurid art of the Herat school or are
influenced by Western artistic styles. Between the 1950s and 1970s, the
government encouraged the restoration and enhancement of significant
architectural monuments. Nevertheless, the world mourned the destruction
of the ancient Buddha statues in the Bamian caves in 2001, when the
Taliban condemned them as symbols of idolatry.
Sports and Leisure Activities
Afghanistan's
traditional sports emphasize individual prowess and often have martial
elements. Even seemingly benign activities like kite flying turn
competitive, with youth engaging in contests to cut the strings of rival
kites. Wrestling, reflecting both personal and collective honor, is a
widespread pursuit, and shooting, both for sport and hunting, enjoys
popularity. The Afghan hound, renowned for its beauty, was initially
bred for agility, speed, and hunting skills. The central sport in Afghan
culture is undoubtedly "buzkashi," a rugged competition where horsemen
vie to capture a headless goat or calf carcass and carry it to a goal
while fending off competitors.
Though Western-style team sports
have not achieved broad popularity, Afghanistan made its Olympic debut
in the 1936 Summer Games, with sporadic appearances thereafter. The
country has yet to field athletes in the Winter Games.
Media and Publishing
Historically,
Afghanistan's ruling regimes displayed limited tolerance for press
freedom, particularly evident during the Taliban's rule. Since the
Taliban's fall, the local press has burgeoned with new publications.
Numerous newspapers and magazines have emerged, many of them weekly or
government-controlled. While production costs and printing facilities
have constrained the number of daily newspapers, one such publication,
the state-owned "Arman," appears consistently. Low literacy rates have
limited readership, but the practice of reading newspapers aloud in
public spaces has expanded access to printed content. Censorship, on the
whole, has not been extensively practiced by the interim government.
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