Taliban Seizes Control of Afghanistan
Twenty years after the U.S. invaded Afghanistan and removed the Taliban from power, the Islamist regime has regained control of the war-torn country. In August, the last American forces left Afghanistan causing a power vacuum which allowed the Taliban to consolidate power, retake the country, and form a government. In the fall of 2001, the U.S. and its allies sent troops to Afghanistan to remove the Taliban from power for providing a haven to al-Qaeda an international terrorist organization which was responsible for the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Why did America send troops to Afghanistan in 2001?
INSTRUCTORS, click below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions
News Video:
- Video #1:
ARTICLES (News):
Taliban takeover of Afghanistan is 20 years after US invasion – explainer
The Jerusalem Post
August 17, 2021 https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/explainer-taliban-takeover-of-afghanistan-comes-20-years-after-us-invasion-676907
Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members
AP
September 7, 2021 https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87
Former acting CIA director: Taliban’s win in Afghanistan, US exit ‘absolutely inspired jihadists’
The Hill
September 12, 2021 https://thehill.com/homenews/sunday-talk-shows/571884-former-acting-cia-director-talibans-win-in-afghanistan-us-exit?rl=1
Top US commanders in Afghanistan wrestle with mistakes and regrets as America’s longest war ends
CNN
September 12, 2021 https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/12/politics/afghanistan-commanders-documentary/index.html?form=MY01SV&OCID=MY01SV
LINKS (Analysis):
Afghanistan: Taliban announce new rules for female students
BBC NEWS
September 12, 2021 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58537081
Life Under the Taliban
Foreign Policy
September 11, 2021 https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/09/11/life-under-the-taliban-kabul-afghanistan-women-rights/
Taliban raise flag over presidential palace on 9/11 anniversary as brother of resistance leader slain
The Guardian
September 11, 2021 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/12/taliban-raise-flag-over-presidential-palace-on-911-anniversary-as-brother-of-resistance-leader-slain
The Whole Generations Of Human Rights Defenders May Perish In Afghanistan
Forbes
September 12, 2021 https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewelinaochab/2021/09/12/the-whole-generations-of-human-rights-defenders-may-perish-in-afghanistan/?sh=6b512e4782d5
ASSESSMENT:
Writing: Why did the U.S. fail to prevent a Taliban takeover?
Debate: Should the U.S. and coalition forces send troops back to Afghanistan?
Poll: Should U.S. and coalition forces have left Afghanistan last month?
Short Answer: What are the consequences if the Taliban allows al-Qaeda to use the country as a safe-haven?
QUIZ:
Human rights in Afghanistan will most likely dissipate under Taliban rule . (T/F)
The U.S. remains optimistic that the Taliban will reject extremists from operating within Afghanistan. (T/F)
The Taliban has used diplomacy to quell opponents of the new government. (T/F)
Which of the following was responsible for the September 11th attacks.
a. Taliban.
b. al-Qaeda.
c. ISIS.
d. Muslim Brotherhood.
The U.S. invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as a result of?
a. The lack of religious freedoms.
b. The September 11th attacks.
c. The desire to spread democracy.
d. Gain access to new markets.
Which of the following is false concerning newly imposed edicts by the Taliban on women?
a. Banning of sports.
b. A conservative dress code.
c. The inability to work.
d. Segregation in higher education.
