Topics and Briefings

Security Council (SC)

Topic 3: Situation in Afghanistan

A Brief History

Though a complete understanding of the current situation in Afghanistan requires centuries of history, the starting point of the recent, modern crisis can be traced back to 1979 when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. In response to this invasion and the puppet government that was formed as a result, a strong Islamic fundamentalist group known as the Mujahideen developed. With help from the United States, the Mujahideen engaged the Soviet Union in a war of attrition that pushed Soviet forces out of the country.

Following the Soviet exodus, Afghanistan faced a period of internal conflict between warlords who fought to gain control of the opium trade, which was growing during this time. Out of this conflict, in 1996, another Islamic fundamentalist group known as the Taliban rose to power. The Taliban support organizations that were deemed terrorists by Western democracies. As such, the United Nations refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the Taliban rule and the UNSC passed resolutions that condemned actions carried out by the Taliban such as their treatment of women, protection of terrorists, and involvement in harboring Osama bin Ladan.

The situation escalated in 2001, when the events of September 11th lead the United States to declare a War on terror. Heading an international coalition, the United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and remain in operation there to this day. Since then, trafficking of narcotics, kidnapping and killing of humanitarian workers, suicide bombings, prison breaks by Taliban militants, and fighting between warlord have threatened peace and stability in the country. Though there was a relatively successful election, it is commonly believed that the US-lead troops are loosing the war and that the conflicts in the region are escalating.

Some Current Concerns and the Role of the UNSC

The UNSC is currently concerned with threats to international and regional security, stability and rebuilding, humanitarian needs and responses, and narcotic operations and responses in Afghanistan. In order for the UNSC to work towards peace, security, and stability in the region, it must work with officials in Kabul in establishing a sovereign government with whom to coordinate appropriate and effective responses to these pressing issues. The UNSC must also remain conscious of the ties between Pakistani (al-Qaeda) and Afghani terrorist groups in its discussions and resolutions.

Important Terms

Coalition of the Willing — a term for a group of countries that agree to act collectively without regard for United Nations approval or disproval. President George W. Bush used this term in talking about US-lead responses in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2001.

Islamic Fundamentalist — a controversial term favored by Western countries and used to describe a movement that bases its political views and actions on strict or extreme observances and interpretations of the Qur'an and Shari'a (Muslim).

Questions to Consider in Preparation

  1. What type of relations has your country held with Afghanistan in the past? Does your country face any similar threats or problems from which you can draw parallels?

  2. What is your country's position on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)? Does your support the renewal of its mandate?

  3. Did your country participate in or support the "Coalition of the Willing"?

  4. What policies in relationship to Afghanistan does your country support?

  5. How has it dealt with similar crisis in different countries and can those actions provide insight into your country's position on the situation in Afghanistan?

  6. What is your country's opinion of the operations of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)? Does your country support the renewal of its mandate?

Recommended Resources

United Nations Security Council

Global Policy Forum

International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)

International Crisis Group

UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)