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Wed, 2 Dec 01:57:58 GMT17

 
Afghan turmoil

Last reviewed: 25-11-2009

Warlords, Taliban and drugs fuel violence


Afghanistan is struggling to recover from more than a quarter-century of conflict, with violence still raging in much of the country. It is one of the most heavily mined nations in the world and home to a booming narcotics trade. The country's infant mortality rates are among the highest in the world.

  • Millions fled during the conflict
  • 925 children die every day
  • About 100,000 foreign troops

    Billions of dollars have been poured into rebuilding Afghanistan since the fall of the hardline Taliban regime in 2001. But many Afghans are frustrated at the pace of reconstruction, which has been dogged by security problems and allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

    The Taliban were toppled by U.S. and Mujahideen forces after they refused to hand over Osama bin Laden, architect of the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States.

    They have since been fighting to oust tens of thousands of foreign troops and Afghanistan's Western-backed government. Insurgents have launched a campaign of bomb attacks, ambushes and raids.

    Fighting has escalated and spread and is now at its heaviest since 2001. As a result, aid agencies struggle to access most of the country, especially rural areas where the needs are greatest.

    Anger has grown in Afghanistan over the number of civilians who are killed by U.S. and NATO forces.

    Aside from the Taliban, security officials also blame land disputes, banditry, the drugs trade and clan feuds for rising violence.

    But there is some good news. Millions of former refugees have streamed back, the judiciary and army are being reconstituted and roads and hospitals rebuilt. Women, who were barred from education and jobs during the Taliban years, are now allowed to vote and have seats in parliament.


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    U.S. President Barack Obama smiles during his address about Afghanistan policy at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, December 1, 2009. Obama said on Tuesday he is sending ...


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