Afghanistan

Critical Thinking

Classroom Activity 1

BEING WE THE PEOPLE: ARTWORK & THOUGHTS ON 2014

Activity 2

CLASSROOM DISCUSSION POINTS

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FACTS

Terrain

Mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest

Climate

Arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers

Seasons & Elevation (0:54)

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People

Nationality: Afghan; Population: 30,419,928; Language: Pashto Dari (Persian)

Traits (1:50)

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Teenagers (1:42)

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Dating & Marriage (1:47)

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Religions

Sunni Muslim 80%, Shia Muslim 19%, other 1%

Main Sects of Islam (3:15)

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Economy

Afghanistan's economy is recovering from decades of conflict. The economy has improved significantly since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001 largely because of the infusion of international assistance, the recovery of the agricultural sector, and service sector growth.

ECONOMIC POTENTIAL, 2014 (1:37)

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Agriculture & Herding (1:36)

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Living Conditions

Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world. Constant warfare has prevented the Afghanis from developing effective irrigation systems, which are required for farming. Most of the few major roadways in the country have been destroyed in the wars. Afghanistan has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world.

Rural Villages (1:18)

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Teenagers (1:18)

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Government

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

NEW PRESIDENT (2014) (1:18)

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Views on Democracy (2:21)

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US Military Presence/Support

The US has a long-term commitment to help Afghanistan rebuild after years of war. Some 10,800 US troops provide assistance, training and advice, although that number may dwindle to 5,500 by 2016. The US assists the country with humanitarian, capacity-building, drug and infrastructure programs. It also helps Afghans realize their vision for a country that is stable, democratic, economically successful and committed to the protection of women's rights, human rights, and religious tolerance.

NEW AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S., 2014 (1:30)

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Video

Being We the People: "In Our Own Words"
Witness a face-to-face meeting between students from Afghanistan and Philadelphia as they share their cultures and explore their perceptions of citizenship within a democracy. Watch as they create lasting friendships and a new understanding of their dramatically different lives — yet surprisingly similar — hopes, dreams and aspirations.

(*Teachers: See Critical Thinking Classroom Activity 1)

History

After being attacked in 2001, the US and a coalition of international partners went into Afghanistan to drive out Al-Qaeda extremists linked to the 9/11 bombers and oust the Taliban regime that was harboring them. Thirteen years later on December 28th, 2014, the U.S. combat mission in Afghanistan ended. But under a new agreement, troops will remain in the country to support Afghan security efforts and conduct training. This new operation is called the “Resolute Support" mission.

Origin of the War in Afghanistan (2001) (1:37)

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