Ahmad Shah Massoud and the Islamic State Government
On September 9, 2001 Massoud was killed. His Assassination, only two days before the terrorist attack on the Pentagon and World Trade Center in America, was attributed to two suicide attackers. Due to previous claims and opposition, the death was attributed to the Taliban (1) . Ahmad Shah Massoud was president of the Islamic State government and main opposition to the Muslim lead Taliban terrorist group (2). In 1995, the Terrorist group Taliban bombed the city of Kabul. In response, the Islamic State government, the main opposition to the Taliban and lead by Ahmad Shah Massoud, launched their own attacks on the city and the Taliban, effectively reclaiming the city and defeating the Taliban (3). After a series of losses, the Taliban were forced to flee the country of Afghanistan, their base. At this point, the Taliban were considered generally defeated, however Pakistan provided support for the Taliban (4). In 1996 the Taliban returned to Afghanistan and captured Kabul. In opposition, Massoud (Leader of the Islamic State Government) combined with another party in control of parts of Afghanistan to form the ‘United front’ with the main purpose of removing the Taliban from Afghanistan. However, the Taliban defeated various groups involved in the United Front and continued control over parts of Afghanistan (5). The general international community supported the Islamic State Government and in early 2001, Massoud asked for financial and military support in removing the Taliban from power. He claimed to also know little about a attack planned on US land (6).
On September 9, 2001 Massoud was killed. His Assassination, only two days before the terrorist attack on the Pentagon and World Trade Center in America, was attributed to two suicide attackers. Due to previous claims and opposition, the death was attributed to the Taliban (1) . Ahmad Shah Massoud was president of the Islamic State government and main opposition to the Muslim lead Taliban terrorist group (2). In 1995, the Terrorist group Taliban bombed the city of Kabul. In response, the Islamic State government, the main opposition to the Taliban and lead by Ahmad Shah Massoud, launched their own attacks on the city and the Taliban, effectively reclaiming the city and defeating the Taliban (3). After a series of losses, the Taliban were forced to flee the country of Afghanistan, their base. At this point, the Taliban were considered generally defeated, however Pakistan provided support for the Taliban (4). In 1996 the Taliban returned to Afghanistan and captured Kabul. In opposition, Massoud (Leader of the Islamic State Government) combined with another party in control of parts of Afghanistan to form the ‘United front’ with the main purpose of removing the Taliban from Afghanistan. However, the Taliban defeated various groups involved in the United Front and continued control over parts of Afghanistan (5). The general international community supported the Islamic State Government and in early 2001, Massoud asked for financial and military support in removing the Taliban from power. He claimed to also know little about a attack planned on US land (6).
War on Terror
On 20 September 2001, the United States, under the Bush Administration, alongside NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and UK allies launched ‘Operation Enduring Freedom’. Operation Enduring freedom was the official name given to the War in Afghanistan in response to the September 11 attacks the same year (9/11). The 9/11 attacks were attacks by hijacked planes crashing into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon building in New York (7). The US accused Al-Qaeda and the Taliban for launching the attacks and demanded that Osama Bin Ladan be removed from power and handed to the United States. The Taliban, in response, refused and demanded to know of evidence of Al-Qaeda or Osama Bin Ladan’s involvement in the attacks. The US did not provide evidence and instead launched Operation Enduring Freedom with the ultimate purpose of ousting the Taliban Regime and removing any Al-Qaeda leaders from power . On October 7, 2001, the official invasion begin and by Mid November Kabul had fallen. The remaining Taliban and Al-Qaeda troops moved to the mountains of Afghanistan where the US continued battling (8). In 2002, the US launched ‘Operation Anaconda’ with the purpose of defeating any remaining Al-Qaeda or Taliban forces in the Valley or Mountains of Eastern Afghanistan. After suffering great Casualties, the Taliban found refuge in Pakistan and regrouped there later (late 2002) attacking coalition forces remaining in Afghanistan (9). In response Coalition forces launched Operation Moshtarak in 2010 (10).
On 20 September 2001, the United States, under the Bush Administration, alongside NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and UK allies launched ‘Operation Enduring Freedom’. Operation Enduring freedom was the official name given to the War in Afghanistan in response to the September 11 attacks the same year (9/11). The 9/11 attacks were attacks by hijacked planes crashing into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon building in New York (7). The US accused Al-Qaeda and the Taliban for launching the attacks and demanded that Osama Bin Ladan be removed from power and handed to the United States. The Taliban, in response, refused and demanded to know of evidence of Al-Qaeda or Osama Bin Ladan’s involvement in the attacks. The US did not provide evidence and instead launched Operation Enduring Freedom with the ultimate purpose of ousting the Taliban Regime and removing any Al-Qaeda leaders from power . On October 7, 2001, the official invasion begin and by Mid November Kabul had fallen. The remaining Taliban and Al-Qaeda troops moved to the mountains of Afghanistan where the US continued battling (8). In 2002, the US launched ‘Operation Anaconda’ with the purpose of defeating any remaining Al-Qaeda or Taliban forces in the Valley or Mountains of Eastern Afghanistan. After suffering great Casualties, the Taliban found refuge in Pakistan and regrouped there later (late 2002) attacking coalition forces remaining in Afghanistan (9). In response Coalition forces launched Operation Moshtarak in 2010 (10).
Interim Administration and Transitional Authority
After the fall of the Taliban regime and their retreat to eastern Afghanistan, an interim government or administration under Hamid Karzai was established. This government had the highest authority in Afghanistan from December 22, 2001 to July 13, 2002. The head of the transitional government was determined at the International Conference on Afghanistan in Bonn, Germany. Chairman of the interim government was determined as Hamid Karzai (11). Later, Karzai was placed in power again, during the the 2004 elections and the 2009 elections (12). The interim government was succeeded by the Transitional Authority once more under the main leader of Hamid Karzai. The Transitional Authority remained in power from 13 July 2002, to 7 December 2004. The 2004 elections to determine a democratically elected leader was held on october 9, 2004 and the elected officials took power immediately following the Transitional authority (13).
After the fall of the Taliban regime and their retreat to eastern Afghanistan, an interim government or administration under Hamid Karzai was established. This government had the highest authority in Afghanistan from December 22, 2001 to July 13, 2002. The head of the transitional government was determined at the International Conference on Afghanistan in Bonn, Germany. Chairman of the interim government was determined as Hamid Karzai (11). Later, Karzai was placed in power again, during the the 2004 elections and the 2009 elections (12). The interim government was succeeded by the Transitional Authority once more under the main leader of Hamid Karzai. The Transitional Authority remained in power from 13 July 2002, to 7 December 2004. The 2004 elections to determine a democratically elected leader was held on october 9, 2004 and the elected officials took power immediately following the Transitional authority (13).
2004 November Elections
During the Afghanistan Presidential Elections, which was held on October 9, 2004, 18 candidates ran for President. Hamid Karzai and Yunus Qanuni were major nominees for President although Karzai won almost 3 times the amount of ballots. After accusations of a fraud circulating on the day of the election, up to 15 candidates decided to boycott the ballots but later cancelled as the UN declared to form an independent three-person panel. This three-person panel included two members selected by the United Nations, a Canadian Diplomat, a Swedish electoral expert, and a last member who was selected by the European Nation. There was controversy to whether the voting had been fair or not due to the fact that non-Afghan citizens could easily vote just by supplying a photo of themselves. Controversy had risen due to 12 candidates having less than 1% of the votes while Karzai had 55%.
America's Quiet Surge on Afghanistan
On September 9, 2008, President George W. Bush stated that he planned to order 8000 more combat and support troops to Iraq by February. The battalion of 1000 Marines will be followed by an Army combat brigade of 3500-4000 troops. Bush stated “"These troop increases represent a 'quiet surge' in Afghanistan.” as he expected these troops to provide security and the safety of Afghanistan’s infrastructure and democratic institutions. Although the Democratic Party shot back saying Bush wasn’t doing enough to send out more troops into Afghanistan. Former Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, said "I am stunned that President Bush has decided to bring so few troops home from Iraq and send so few resources to Afghanistan."
During the Afghanistan Presidential Elections, which was held on October 9, 2004, 18 candidates ran for President. Hamid Karzai and Yunus Qanuni were major nominees for President although Karzai won almost 3 times the amount of ballots. After accusations of a fraud circulating on the day of the election, up to 15 candidates decided to boycott the ballots but later cancelled as the UN declared to form an independent three-person panel. This three-person panel included two members selected by the United Nations, a Canadian Diplomat, a Swedish electoral expert, and a last member who was selected by the European Nation. There was controversy to whether the voting had been fair or not due to the fact that non-Afghan citizens could easily vote just by supplying a photo of themselves. Controversy had risen due to 12 candidates having less than 1% of the votes while Karzai had 55%.
America's Quiet Surge on Afghanistan
On September 9, 2008, President George W. Bush stated that he planned to order 8000 more combat and support troops to Iraq by February. The battalion of 1000 Marines will be followed by an Army combat brigade of 3500-4000 troops. Bush stated “"These troop increases represent a 'quiet surge' in Afghanistan.” as he expected these troops to provide security and the safety of Afghanistan’s infrastructure and democratic institutions. Although the Democratic Party shot back saying Bush wasn’t doing enough to send out more troops into Afghanistan. Former Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, said "I am stunned that President Bush has decided to bring so few troops home from Iraq and send so few resources to Afghanistan."
Operation Moshtarak
In 2010, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) launched ‘Operation Mostarak’ with the ultimate purpose of removing Taliban control from the town of Marja in the Helmand Province. It was understood that this was one of the last strong footholds of control the Taliban held in Afghanistan. The operation was a joint offensive with Afghan Forces under the Karzai Regime. In addition the ISAF had support from the United States and the United Kingdom. The operation was used for the further importance of reinstalling the Afghan government over control of all of Afghanistan with the Taliban defeated and for civilian protection force for Afghan People both in Marja and elsewhere in Afghanistan. Though the operation was initially successful, the ISAF and the Afghan troops failed to establish a successful government in the region and as a result the Taliban reoccupied the area (10). By December 2010, the fighting was declared essentially over and the operation officially ended on December 7, 2010. (14)
In 2010, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) launched ‘Operation Mostarak’ with the ultimate purpose of removing Taliban control from the town of Marja in the Helmand Province. It was understood that this was one of the last strong footholds of control the Taliban held in Afghanistan. The operation was a joint offensive with Afghan Forces under the Karzai Regime. In addition the ISAF had support from the United States and the United Kingdom. The operation was used for the further importance of reinstalling the Afghan government over control of all of Afghanistan with the Taliban defeated and for civilian protection force for Afghan People both in Marja and elsewhere in Afghanistan. Though the operation was initially successful, the ISAF and the Afghan troops failed to establish a successful government in the region and as a result the Taliban reoccupied the area (10). By December 2010, the fighting was declared essentially over and the operation officially ended on December 7, 2010. (14)
2010 NATO Agrees to giving Afghan troops control by the end of 2014
Launched in 2011, the transition of full responsibility of control to Afghan troops was agreed on, during which the transfer would take place on the end of 2014. The increase in Afghan National Security Forces allows leadership and the ISAF mission to maintain the security in Afghanistan, initially Kabul. NATO continuously firmly assists and supports Afghanistan. At the Chicago Summit, allied leaders continued to financially contribute as a international community. At the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan, the Afghan government laid down the work necessary for the development of Afghanistan. During the conference, they also made clear commitments to make progress specifically on a number of areas including those to hold clear and transparent, fair elections, to fight corruption, to uphold the constitution, and to enforce the rule of law. While providing combative support, NATO continuously pursues redeployment in a coordinated manner in which is scheduled until the end of 2014.
Launched in 2011, the transition of full responsibility of control to Afghan troops was agreed on, during which the transfer would take place on the end of 2014. The increase in Afghan National Security Forces allows leadership and the ISAF mission to maintain the security in Afghanistan, initially Kabul. NATO continuously firmly assists and supports Afghanistan. At the Chicago Summit, allied leaders continued to financially contribute as a international community. At the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan, the Afghan government laid down the work necessary for the development of Afghanistan. During the conference, they also made clear commitments to make progress specifically on a number of areas including those to hold clear and transparent, fair elections, to fight corruption, to uphold the constitution, and to enforce the rule of law. While providing combative support, NATO continuously pursues redeployment in a coordinated manner in which is scheduled until the end of 2014.
Border Tensions
After the death of Osama Bin laden, border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan grew greatly among the Durand line border among Afghan National Security Forces and the Pakistani Armed forces. Though border tensions between the two nations had existed prior to Osama Bin Laden’s death, tensions only worsened after US troops (from their base in Afghanistan) invaded and attacked Osama Bin Laden’s home in Pakistan and allegedly killed him (15). Part of the essence of the border tensions across the Durand line border lie around Afghanistan’s belief the Haqqani Network based is supported by Pakistan. After Bin laden’s death, attacks in Afghanistan by the Haqqani network increased which lead to the US warning the Pakistani government that a United States offensive may be launched if the Haqqani network attacks continue (16).
After the death of Osama Bin laden, border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan grew greatly among the Durand line border among Afghan National Security Forces and the Pakistani Armed forces. Though border tensions between the two nations had existed prior to Osama Bin Laden’s death, tensions only worsened after US troops (from their base in Afghanistan) invaded and attacked Osama Bin Laden’s home in Pakistan and allegedly killed him (15). Part of the essence of the border tensions across the Durand line border lie around Afghanistan’s belief the Haqqani Network based is supported by Pakistan. After Bin laden’s death, attacks in Afghanistan by the Haqqani network increased which lead to the US warning the Pakistani government that a United States offensive may be launched if the Haqqani network attacks continue (16).
2013 President Karzai and President Zardari agree to work for Afghanistan peace
President Karzai, President Zardai, and British Prime Minister, David Cameron, a tripartite summit has been progressing to achieve Afghanistan peace within six months. Although with no representative of the Taliban, some say that the tripartite summit is one-sided, on February 3, 2013, the three leaders had a private dinner and a full talk near a retreat. Although Karzai previously disliked the idea of holding a Taliban office in Doha as it may lead to the Kabul government being out of talks between the US and Taliban, they all supported opening an office for the purpose of negotiations between the Taliban and High Peace Council and Afghanistan is necessary in order to have a peaceful process.
President Karzai, President Zardai, and British Prime Minister, David Cameron, a tripartite summit has been progressing to achieve Afghanistan peace within six months. Although with no representative of the Taliban, some say that the tripartite summit is one-sided, on February 3, 2013, the three leaders had a private dinner and a full talk near a retreat. Although Karzai previously disliked the idea of holding a Taliban office in Doha as it may lead to the Kabul government being out of talks between the US and Taliban, they all supported opening an office for the purpose of negotiations between the Taliban and High Peace Council and Afghanistan is necessary in order to have a peaceful process.
Afghan forces take military control
on 18 June 2013, Afghan forces took on military and security control from the Coalition NATO troops. President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai claimed that the handover of security power was a reminder of the help of the NATO forces in training Afghan Military (17). Prior to this handover of power, control of security in Afghanistan had been for the past 12 years in the hand of international forces such as NATO, ISAF and the US. This period was known as ‘Tranche 5’, the final step before all foreign troop were scheduled to leave Afghanistan in 2014 (18). The NATO mister of security said in areas of great violence, international troops would remain for a period of time longer, however the control of these offensive and defensive operations would be handed over to the Afghan forces (19).
on 18 June 2013, Afghan forces took on military and security control from the Coalition NATO troops. President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai claimed that the handover of security power was a reminder of the help of the NATO forces in training Afghan Military (17). Prior to this handover of power, control of security in Afghanistan had been for the past 12 years in the hand of international forces such as NATO, ISAF and the US. This period was known as ‘Tranche 5’, the final step before all foreign troop were scheduled to leave Afghanistan in 2014 (18). The NATO mister of security said in areas of great violence, international troops would remain for a period of time longer, however the control of these offensive and defensive operations would be handed over to the Afghan forces (19).
2014 Presidential Elections
The 2014 Presidential Elections were held on April 5, 2014. Former President, Hamid Karzai was ineligible to run due to his completed full terms. Registration periods were from September 16 to October 6 and 27 candidates were confirmed to run for president. Bu on October 22, Afghanistan disqualified 16/27 candidates who were disqualified for reasons such as their education levels, insufficient documentation and signatures. During April, 3 candidates withdrew and gave support for Zalmai Rassoul, one of the top three nominees. The three nominees were Abdullah Abdullah, Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, and Zalmai Rassoul. On July 17, the Parliament of Afghanistan passed new laws needed for the elections. On April 7, a roadside bomb was detonated after a van drove over, killing 13 people. While the Taliban were suspected, international forces were also suspected.
The 2014 Presidential Elections were held on April 5, 2014. Former President, Hamid Karzai was ineligible to run due to his completed full terms. Registration periods were from September 16 to October 6 and 27 candidates were confirmed to run for president. Bu on October 22, Afghanistan disqualified 16/27 candidates who were disqualified for reasons such as their education levels, insufficient documentation and signatures. During April, 3 candidates withdrew and gave support for Zalmai Rassoul, one of the top three nominees. The three nominees were Abdullah Abdullah, Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, and Zalmai Rassoul. On July 17, the Parliament of Afghanistan passed new laws needed for the elections. On April 7, a roadside bomb was detonated after a van drove over, killing 13 people. While the Taliban were suspected, international forces were also suspected.