The Fog Of War: Unraveling The Truth About Bahrain And Afghanistan's Complex Relationship

Afghanistan has been the site of numerous wars and conflicts over the years, including the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021), which was the longest war in US military history. However, Bahrain is a separate country located in the Persian Gulf, and while it has been involved in several historical conflicts, it is not located in Afghanistan and is not considered a war zone.

The time difference between Bahrain and Afghanistan is 1.5 hours

Afghanistan is located in South Asia and is not a part of Bahrain. The two countries are distinct and located at a distance of about 1,160 miles from each other.

Time Difference

The time difference between Bahrain and Afghanistan is 1 hour and 30 minutes or 1.5 hours. Afghanistan is 1 hour and 30 minutes ahead of Bahrain.

For example, if it is 7:28 PM in Bahrain, it will be 8:58 PM in Afghanistan. This time difference can be challenging for scheduling meetings or phone calls between the two locations. To overcome this, it is advisable to schedule meetings or calls between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM in Bahrain, which would be between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM in Afghanistan.

If you are in Bahrain and wish to call a friend in Afghanistan outside of working hours, you can reach them between 7 AM and 11 PM their time by calling between 5:30 AM and 9:30 PM your time.

The distance between the two countries is approximately 1,160 miles

Afghanistan and Bahrain are two distinct countries that are approximately 1,160 miles apart. Afghanistan is a landlocked country in South Asia, while Bahrain is an island country in the Persian Gulf. The distance between the two countries is significant, and they have distinct cultural, historical, and political contexts.

Afghanistan has a rich history, known for its diverse ethnic groups, rugged mountains, and ancient trade routes. It has been a strategic crossroads connecting Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. However, Afghanistan has also endured decades of conflict and political instability, with a history of foreign invasions and internal power struggles. The country has been ravaged by war for many years, with the most recent conflict being the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021). This war was a response to the September 11 attacks, with an international military coalition led by the United States invading Afghanistan and overthrowing the Taliban-ruled Islamic Emirate. Despite the formation of a new Afghan government and international rebuilding efforts, the Taliban regrouped and continued to wage an insurgency, ultimately retaking control of the country in 2021.

On the other hand, Bahrain, officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country situated between the Qatar peninsula and the northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia. It has a long history as a trading centre and has been ruled by various empires, including the Portuguese and Persians. In more recent times, Bahrain has experienced political unrest and protests, such as the Bahraini uprising in 2011, but it has not been a war zone like Afghanistan. Bahrain has also participated in international conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan, where it was part of the coalition forces.

The distance of approximately 1,160 miles between Afghanistan and Bahrain not only represents a geographical separation but also highlights the distinct contexts and experiences of these two countries. While Afghanistan has endured prolonged periods of conflict and political turmoil, Bahrain has had its own set of challenges and has been involved in international conflicts without being a war zone itself.

The flight time between the two countries is around 7 hours and 37 minutes

The flight time between Bahrain and Afghanistan is around 7 hours and 37 minutes, including transfers. There is no direct flight between the two countries, and the quickest flight takes 11 hours and 20 minutes with one stopover. The distance between the two countries is approximately 1,866 kilometres (1,159-1,160 miles).

The time difference between the two countries is 1 hour and 30 minutes, with Afghanistan being ahead of Bahrain. When it is 7:12 PM on a Thursday in Bahrain, it is 8:42 PM in Afghanistan.

The air travel distance between the two countries is about 994 miles or 1,599 kilometres. The flight duration is 2 hours and 29 minutes, assuming an average flight speed of 500 mph for a commercial airliner.

There are several airlines that offer flights between the two countries, including Gulf Air Bahrain, Kam Air, Flydubai, Ariana Afghan Airlines, and Saudia. The price of flights varies depending on when you book, with prices likely to increase a fortnight before departure.

The US recognised Afghanistan as a combat zone in September 2001

The US-led international coalition's invasion of Afghanistan was triggered by the September 11 attacks, marking the start of Operation Enduring Freedom. The US demanded that the Taliban hand over Osama bin Laden and shut down all terrorist training camps, but the Taliban refused.

On October 7, 2001, the US forces began an air campaign with strikes on Taliban and al-Qaeda forces. The US-backed Northern Alliance forces entered Kabul as the Taliban withdrew south, and within a month, the Taliban leaders had fled to Pakistan.

The US forces bombed the Tora Bora cave complex in eastern Afghanistan, where bin Laden was believed to be hiding, but he slipped over the border into Pakistan. The US-led coalition remained in Afghanistan, forming a security mission (ISAF) to create a new democratic authority in the country and prevent the Taliban from returning to power. A new Afghan Interim Administration was established, and international rebuilding efforts were launched.

The US recognised Afghanistan as a combat zone, with the invasion marking the start of the War in Afghanistan, which lasted from 2001 to 2021.

The war in Afghanistan has had devastating consequences on the mental health of Afghans

Afghanistan has been at war for decades, and the impact of this prolonged violence is evident in the mental health of its population. The country has been described as a 'trauma state', where trauma caused by war fuels more war, which in turn causes more trauma, continuing the cycle.

The war has left many Afghans with deep psychological wounds. There has been a surge in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions related to the conflict throughout the country, with around 70% of Afghanistan's 37 million people in need of psychological support.

A 2018 European Union survey found that 85% of the Afghan population had experienced or witnessed at least one traumatic event, and on average, four. Half of those surveyed had experienced psychological distress, with one in five Afghans "impaired in his or her role because of mental health problems".

Women and children are among the most affected by explosive devices, particularly in terms of psychological effects. Children who have been exposed to armed violence commonly experience depression, night terrors, difficulty concentrating, aggressive behaviour, mutism, and even sleepwalking. The trauma experienced by women is often exacerbated by intimate partner violence (IPV) in domestic settings. Women who experience both war trauma and IPV are more likely to use domestic violence on their children, thus creating a cycle of intergenerational mental health problems.

The lack of psychological support in Afghanistan is a significant problem, with less than 10% of the population receiving the medical services needed to treat their psychological disorders. As a result, Afghans often do not seek the help they need, or are simply sent home with a prescription for psychotropic drugs. The lack of mental health literacy among the population also encourages the use of psychologically harmful illicit drugs, contributing to Afghanistan having one of the highest numbers of opiate users in the world.

The impact of the war on the mental health of Afghans cannot be overstated. The conflict has had devastating consequences, with the population experiencing high rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The cycle of trauma and violence must be broken to allow for healing and recovery.

Frequently asked questions