Profile : Afghanistan

Description

Afghanistan's recent history is marked by war and civil unrest. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979, but was forced to withdraw 10 years later by Mujahedin forces. Ongoing internal unrest allowed the Taliban to seize power in 1996.
The Taliban was in control of about 90% of Afghanistan until late 2001 when they came into conflict with the international community over the alleged presence of Osama bin Laden on their soil. The US had accused him of masterminding the bombing of their embassies in Africa in 1998 and the attacks on the US on 11 September 2001. After the Taliban's refusal to hand over bin Laden, the US initiated attacks in October, paving the way for opposition groups to drive the Taliban from power.
According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, in 2002 there were 3.8 million Afghan refugees around the world.
After years of devastating warfare peacekeepers are maintaining order in the capital, but outside Kabul war lords still control different areas, and the Taliban is regrouping in the south and east.
More than 20 years of war and unrest have left the country in a state of extreme poverty.

Prayer Points

• For the rebuilding of the Afghan nation and the role of the Government and peace-keepers in this task.
• Give thanks for those who serve in Afghanistan.

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