The Origins of Al-Qaeda and Taliban During the Cold War, Afghanistan became a battleground for superpowers. The U.S., through Pakistan, trained Mujahideen fighters to counter Soviet influence in the region. Among these were Osama bin Laden and other key figures who later formed Al-Qaeda with its database of recruits. Meanwhile, disillusioned Afghan students (Talibs) created the Taliban movement under Mullah Omar's leadership.
Afghanistan’s Strategic Importance and Early Modernization In 1839, British-Russian rivalry over Afghanistan began due to its strategic location in South Asia—a conflict known as 'The Great Game.' By 1933-1973 under King Zahir Shah's rule modernization efforts like constitutions emerged but failed democracy attempts led Daoud Khan overthrowing him during exile only worsening public dissatisfaction amidst rising poverty levels.
Communist Influence Sparks Resistance Nur Muhammad Taraki introduced communist reforms such as secularism & land redistribution angering traditionalists leading widespread opposition from religious leaders forming decentralized resistance groups called "Mujahideens." USSR intervenes militarily after internal power struggles within PDPA government further escalating tensions globally while fueling anti-Soviet sentiments locally supported covertly by US-Pakistan collaboration training insurgents against Soviets' occupation forces ultimately forcing their withdrawal post-decade-long costly war effort leaving behind fragmented factions vying control domestically destabilizing governance structures perpetuating cycles violence instability ongoing decades thereafter