Afghan History (Soviet Invasion and Taliban Era)

Afghan history during the Soviet invasion (1979-1989) involved a brutal conflict as Soviet troops supported a communist government, prompting resistance from various Afghan factions, known as the Mujahideen. This war drew international attention and support for the rebels, including from the U.S. After the Soviets withdrew, Afghanistan descended into civil war, leading to the rise of the Taliban in the mid-1990s. The Taliban imposed strict Islamic law and ruled until the U.S. invasion in 2001, following the 9/11 attacks. This period is significant in Middle Eastern history, illustrating the complex interplay of geopolitics, religion, and local dynamics.