The Islamic Republic Of Afghanistan - 1704 Words

Background Throughout history the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has faced numerous invasions, a series of civil wars and enormous bloodshed. In 1978 the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) seized power in a coup against President Mohamed Daoud in what is known as the Saur Revolution. This revolution is said to be the catalyst for upheaval and armed resistance that would follow for the next 20 years. Opposition of the communist regime resulted in the rise of guerilla mujahideen forces that quickly escalated into a civil war. The Soviet Union sent thousands of military advisors in support of the PDPA government and soon established a soviet-organized government to stabilized Afghanistan under Babrak Karmal’s leadership. All the†¦show more content†¦After the death of over 1 million Afghans and about 6 million refugees, How did the establishment of Taliban rule affect the rights, freedoms and opportunities of women in Afghanistan? Prior to Taliban rule, women had significant rights and educational and professional opportunities. As early as 1920’s women were granted the right to vote and equal rights for men and women that would be undermined by later successions of power. In 1964, a new constitution creates a modern democracy with free elections, equal rights, freedom of speech, universal suffrage, and allows women to enter into politics. The 1970’s under Soviet supported PDPA government are characterized by further liberalization reforms such as: separation of religion and state, banning burquas, raising the legal age of marriage to 16, requires education for girls, and abolishes walwar. During the 1980’s insurrection groups against the Soviet government threaten liberal reforms. By late 1988 the Soviet Union retreats its forces and Afghanistan is torn into civil war between t ribal leaders and mujahideen leading up to the Taliban’s takeover in 1996. Upon the Taliban’s seizing of power, they institute a severe interpretation of Sharia Law, cracking down on â€Å"un-Islamic† aspects of society that most heavily targeted the rights, freedoms and opportunities of Afghan