U.S. Marine Corps Institute Afghanistan: An Introduction to the Country and People

U.S. MARINE CORPS INSTITUTE AFGHANISTAN: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE COUNTRY AND PEOPLE: With United States involvement in Afghanistan, knowledge of the country is imperative. This “handbook” explains a number of basic issues that should be in the knowledge “toolbox” of anyone working with Afghanis or deployed to the country. Three main forces have shaped present day Afghanistan: Tribalism, Islam, and geography. They have permanent and far-reaching effects on Afghan society and on anyone involved with that society. Table of Contents Quick Facts on Afghanistan Geography and Climate Economy and Livelihood Languages and Ethnicity: Diversity Languages of Afghanistan Ethnic Groups: Pashtun Ethnic Groups: Tajik (Tadjik) Ethnic Groups: Hazara (Hezora) Ethnic Groups: Uzbek Recent Afghan History Taliban’s Rise to Power Taliban: Who Are They? Taliban Relations with Neighboring Countries, Post-9/11 Afghanistan, New Government Old Problems Fighting Terrorism: Operation Enduring Freedom Brief Military Chronology War in the South – FOB Rhino Capturing Kandahar War in the South: Khowst-Gardez Mission Tora Bora and Operation Anaconda Rebuilding Afghanistan Islam: Basic Ideas Arabs and Islam Muhammad (Mohammed) Five Pillars of Islam Al Qur’an (Koran) and Sunnah Jihad (Djihad) Islamic Schools (Sects) Islam Appendix A: Short History of Terrorist Activity Appendix B: International Associations Appendix C: Other References