Afghanistan Timeline

By liamhoward

  • Mohammed Daud Seizes Power

    He seizes power in a coup and declares a republic. He then plays the western powers against the USSR powers. Once he was in power, "Daud Khan sought to suppress the left and lessen the country’s dependence on the Soviet Union." (The Editors of Encyclopedia Brittanica) https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mohammad-Daud-Khan

  • Daud is Overthrown

    In 1978, Daud is overthrown and killed in a pro soviet coup. The country falls to a democratic party but is paralyzed by infighting and US supported groups.

  • Invasion of Soviet Union

    The soviet union invades Afghanistan and takes over the country. They prop up a communist government. "The soviet union feared losing it's communist proxy in Afghanistan so they sent Soviet soldiers to strengthen a communist government" (Scott DesMarias) http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/search/label/Afghanistan

  • New Ruler Elected

    Babrak Karmal is elected as new ruler. He is supported by soviet troops. Meanwhile, China, US, Pakistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia supply arms to the mujahideen.

  • Alliance Against the Soviets

    The mujahideen come together to overthrow the soviet union. Around half of Afghanistans population is displaced by the war. Many look to flee to Iran or Pakistan.

  • US gets involved more

    The US begin to supply the mujahideen with stinger missiles. The mujahideen use these missiles to shoot down soviet assault helicopters. Karmal is replaced by Najibullah as the head of a soviet based government.

  • Peace seems to begin

    The USSR, the US, and Pakistan sign a peace treaty. It ensures that the USSR will begin to pull troops out.

  • A new war begins

    All soviet troops have left Afghanistan. As they leave, mujahideen attempt to overthrow the leader, Najibullah. Civil war ensues.

  • Devastating side effects

    Najibullah's government has been overthrown. The Taliban seize control of Kabul and introduce oppressive new ways of life. Women are not allowed to work and new punishments are introduced. Punishments include being stoned to death or being amputated.

  • Chaos

    The Taliban are now recognized as legit rulers by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. They control two thirds of Afghanistan. The US launches missile strikes at suspected bases of Osama Bin Laden who was suspected of attacking US embassies in Africa.