Damon Mcknight
Afghanistan is a landlocked country in the Middle East, bordered by Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. The country has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its Central Asian location, and boasts a diverse range of ethnic and linguistic traditions.
However, Afghanistan has also witnessed decades of war and violent clashes, with the Taliban and the self-declared Islamic State frequently conducting suicide attacks. As a result, safety and security are the main concerns for anyone considering a move to Afghanistan. The country currently faces issues such as food insecurity, economic crisis, and limited access to education, particularly for girls. The Taliban's strict interpretation of Sharia Law and their refusal to meet basic international demands have led to sanctions and a crippled economy.
Despite the challenges, Afghanistan offers a unique blend of multiculturalism and rugged natural beauty. The country's resilience and tenacity are reflected in its people, who continue to seek joy in traditional folk singing, public dancing, and vibrant weddings.
Security and conflict
Afghanistan has been in a near-continuous state of armed conflict since the 1970s. The country has witnessed decades of war, and violent clashes and terrorist attacks are common. In 2021, the Taliban seized power from the Islamic Republic that had ruled over Afghanistan since 2004. Since then, the Taliban has reformed the government and enforces a particularly harsh interpretation of Sharia Law.
Armed Opposition to the Taliban
The Islamic State Khorasan Province, National Resistance Front, High Council of National Resistance, and other insurgent groups pose a threat to the Taliban's rule. The Taliban is fighting insurgencies led by the Islamic State's local branch and the National Resistance Front, which includes affiliates of the former army, police, and intelligence services. The Taliban is also facing resistance from jihadist groups with regional or global ambitions, such as al-Qaeda.
The Taliban's Response
The Taliban has employed a mix of tactics to suppress armed opposition, ranging from denial and downplaying of threats to heavy-handed human rights violations. They have dismantled checkpoints and conducted sweeping house-to-house searches to confiscate weapons and ammunition. The Taliban has also offered pardons and conditional releases to captured enemies.
Security Environment
The security environment in Afghanistan has always been difficult to assess due to the suppression of media and opposition groups' exaggeration of claims. Publicly available datasets of violent incidents rely on media reports, which have become less reliable as the Taliban suppresses efforts at inquiry. The information landscape is contested, with starkly contrasting narratives driving public discourse about security.
Regional and International Concerns
Regional and international actors have diverse views about potential threats emanating from Afghanistan. China's primary concern is containing the spillover of militancy, with a focus on Uighur fighters. Russia, Iran, and Central Asian states are chiefly concerned with stopping the Islamic State Khorasan Province from growing stronger. Western governments remain deeply concerned about transnational militant groups, which seem reasonably comfortable in Afghanistan.
The Peril of Unilateral Strikes
It might be tempting for Western or regional powers to suppress threats with unilateral military action. However, returning to airstrikes or other attacks as a routine counter-terrorism tool would be a mistake. Airstrikes can kill individuals but are unlikely to eradicate militant groups and may harden views on the ground, motivating a new generation of externally focused militants.
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Culture and leisure
Afghanistan has a rich cultural heritage, with a history spanning over 5,000 years. The country is diverse, with many ethnic, linguistic and tribal groups. The culture is strongly tied to elements of Turko-Persian and Indo-Persian cultures, which can be seen in the language, cuisine and classical music.
Arts and Crafts
The Afghan artistic style is decorative and embellished, with embroidery and woven finery used on everyday items such as grain bags. The country has a long history of art, with the world's earliest known usage of oil painting found in cave murals. The art of carpet-making is also prominent, with beautiful oriental rugs featuring unique prints.
Literature and Poetry
Poetry is a cultural tradition and passion in Afghanistan, with notable poets including Khushal Khan Khattak, Rahman Baba, Massoud Nawabi, Nazo Tokhi, and Ahmad Shah Durrani. Poetry is often in the Persian/Dari and Pashto languages, although modern times have seen a rise in recognition of poetry in other languages. Respect is shown to those who can speak eloquently.
Music and Dance
Afghans enjoy performing the Attan, the national dance of Afghanistan. Music is also an important part of Afghan culture, with many types of instruments played. Folk songs and ballads are commonly heard, with songs known by almost everyone and passed down through the generations. Lyrics are typically in Dari-Persian and Pashto, Uzbeki, Hazaragi, Hindi, and Western-style songs are also popular.
Sports and Leisure
Afghans are very fond of sports and games. Football is the most popular sport, with the Afghanistan national football team founded in 1922. Cricket has also become popular in recent years, with the Afghanistan national cricket team holding matches against all other international cricket teams since 2001. Buzkashi, an ancient game that involves grabbing a goat, is also enjoyed by men in the north of the country. Kite flying is another popular pastime.
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Healthcare
Current State of Healthcare in Afghanistan
Afghanistan currently has over 3000 health facilities, including the first neurosurgery hospital. There are also over 17,000 health posts across the country. The most advanced medical treatments are available in Kabul, followed by Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, and other major cities. However, many wealthy Afghans still travel to other countries for more advanced medical treatment.
The country has about 38,000 midwives, but more are needed to address the high maternal mortality rate. Afghanistan has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world, and thousands of Afghan women die every year from pregnancy-related causes.
Challenges and Issues
One of the main challenges facing Afghanistan's healthcare system is the lack of infrastructure. The country has a poor road network, and rural areas are often inaccessible during heavy snowfalls. Only 6% of Afghans have access to reliable electricity sources, and only 30% of households outside cities have access to safe drinking water.
Another issue is the lack of qualified health care workers. The "brain drain" caused by the decades of conflict has left Afghanistan with a shortage of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. The security situation in the country also makes it difficult for health workers to safely access some areas.
In addition, the cost of healthcare is often a barrier for many Afghans, as user fees have been a major deterrent to accessing health services. Poverty and high out-of-pocket expenses put care out of reach for many.
Recent Developments and Improvements
Despite the challenges, there have been some recent improvements in Afghanistan's healthcare system. Since 2001, life expectancy has increased from 56 to 64 years, and the maternal mortality rate has been reduced by half. Access to clean water has also improved, with 89% of residents in cities having access in 2021 compared to only 16% in 2001.
The Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) was implemented by the Ministry of Public Health to provide healthcare that would have the most cost-effective impact on common health problems. Efforts have been made to address trauma and trauma-related disabilities, which are common issues in the country due to the ongoing conflict.
Future Prospects
Afghanistan's healthcare system still has a long way to go, and continued support from the international community is crucial. Strengthening infrastructure, supporting workforce education, delivering technology, and securing peace are essential steps to improve the country's healthcare system.
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Education
Afghanistan's education system has been deeply compromised by decades of war and conflict. However, since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, reconstruction efforts have led to substantial progress.
Primary and Secondary Education
Prior to 2002, fewer than 1 million students, almost all boys, were believed to be enrolled in general schools. In 2018, there were around 10 million students enrolled, with an estimated 39% of students at general schools being female.
In 2015, Afghanistan's Ministry of Education reported that the number of secondary school graduates had risen from about 10,000 in 2001 to an estimated 320,000 in 2015. Despite these gains, educational attainment and participation rates across Afghanistan remain severely depressed. The estimated adult literacy rate in 2015 was 38%, significantly below the international average of 84%.
In 2011, the Afghan government reported that there were 16,000 schools across Afghanistan, with 10.5 million students. However, an estimated 3.7 million children remain out of school, with 60% of them being girls. In the poorest and most remote areas of the country, enrolment levels vary, and girls still lack equal access.
In some parts of the country, a shortage of schools and insufficient transportation are the main obstacles to education. Geographical barriers, especially in mountainous areas, also make it difficult for children to reach classrooms.
Higher Education
In 2015, public university enrolments rose from 7,800 in 2001 to 174,425. However, higher education in Afghanistan lacks the capacity to accommodate demand from students, especially at the master's and doctoral levels. As a result, many qualified students seek to study abroad.
In 2013, most of Afghanistan's public institutions of higher education had only one or two PhD-level faculty members, with an overall rate of 5%. In 2012, there were 31 public higher education institutions in the country, including 19 universities and 12 higher education institutes.
Challenges and Limitations
The education system in Afghanistan continues to face significant challenges. Violence and sexual abuse against students and educators have been prevalent, with Afghanistan being one of the worst-affected countries by violence against educational institutions. This has prevented millions of children from attending school.
Additionally, there is a lack of qualified teachers, with many instructors lacking formal training. Teacher qualifications, outdated teaching styles, and materials are ongoing challenges.
The current Taliban regime has also severely limited access to education, especially for girls and women. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, girls have been banned from secondary education, and in December 2022, the Taliban prohibited university education for females, sparking protests and international condemnation.
International Support
International organizations such as UNESCO, UNICEF, and others have been working to support and improve education in Afghanistan. Efforts include providing community-based literacy classes, supporting teacher training, monitoring access to higher education, and developing alternative learning solutions.
Despite the challenges, there have been notable improvements in education in Afghanistan over the years, and these efforts aim to ensure that all Afghans have access to quality education.
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Economic situation
Afghanistan's economy is in a state of crisis. The country is the poorest in Asia, and its economic base has long been too small to support its population of over 40 million. Annual per capita income has been steadily declining, from $650 in 2012 to $500 in 2020, and is expected to drop further to $350 in the coming years.
The country's nominal GDP is projected to contract by 20% within a year, falling from $20 billion in 2020 to $16 billion. This decline may even reach 30% in the following years, dropping to $14 billion, if urgent corrective action is not taken. The economic modelling undertaken by the UNDP and independent economists indicates that it could take $2 billion just to lift the incomes of people in extreme poverty up to the poverty line.
The UN has warned that Afghanistan's economy is in "free fall", threatening to take the entire population with it. The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator painted a grim picture of 23 million people facing hunger, malnourished children in health facilities, teachers working without pay, and millions of students out of school. The cost of wheat and fuel has increased by around 40%, and food now accounts for more than 80% of the average household expenditure.
The economic crisis has been exacerbated by the Taliban takeover. The international community froze billions of dollars worth of Afghan assets abroad and stopped all international funding to the country. The Afghanistan central bank's $9 billion in reserves, mostly held in the US, were frozen, and the International Monetary Fund blocked about $450 million. The Taliban's ban on all foreign currency transactions has further contributed to the economic woes.
The consequences of the economic crisis are becoming increasingly apparent, with reports of hospitals without electricity, severe malnutrition, and tens of thousands of unpaid public sector workers. The UN has warned that the country will not get through the winter on emergency aid alone, and has appealed for $4.5 billion in funding to help the most vulnerable in Afghanistan.
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Frequently asked questions
Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, is not as dangerous as many believe it to be. Although there are suicide attacks and firefights, these incidents are usually confined to specific neighbourhoods and do not affect the majority of the city. However, the possibility of being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time exists, and one must remain vigilant.
Daily life for most Afghans revolves around rebuilding their war-ravaged country. Food supply has improved with increasing stability, but poor nutrition remains a concern due to the destruction of the agricultural system during the war. The staple food is bread, typically eaten freshly baked from an earthen oven. Traditional cuisine includes roast meats, meat pies, stewed vegetables, rice pilaf, and thick noodle soup.
Afghanistan has a rich and diverse cultural heritage with various ethnic and linguistic traditions. Traditional folk singing and dancing are popular, especially during weddings and religious celebrations. The National Art Gallery in Kabul houses interesting paintings from the 20th century. The National Museum of Afghanistan, opened in 1919, showcases an impressive collection of artefacts spanning fifty millennia.
Afghanistan has one of the least developed healthcare systems in the world, according to the World Health Organisation. Maternal and infant mortality rates are high, and HIV/AIDS is an emerging concern due to drug abuse. Private healthcare coverage is crucial for expatriates due to the extremely low quality of local healthcare by western standards.
Daily life for Afghan women has changed drastically over the years. In the 1960s, wearing a veil became voluntary, and women pursued education and careers. However, after 1992 and especially following the Taliban's capture of Kabul in 1996, women's freedoms were severely restricted. Girls' schools were closed, and women were forced out of most occupations. Today, in the post-Taliban era, women are once again entering the workforce and attending schools, but urban women continue to wear the chador, or full-body covering.
