Monday, November 23, 2009
Resilient Afghan children (photo: Afghan-web.com)
Few peoples of the world have endured as much conflict and upheaval as the Afghans during the past 30 years. Oxfam conducted an examination of Afghanistan from the time of the Soviet invasion in 1979 to the present conflict fought between the United States and its allies against the Taliban and al Qaeda—a span that has had “a devastating impact on the Afghan people,” according to the organization’s report.
Thirty years of warfare has resulted in entire generations of Afghans growing up without peace. Oxfam estimates 76% of Afghans have been forced to flee their homes at some point since the late 1970s, 43% have lost property, 34% have been robbed, 21% have been tortured and 13% have been imprisoned (most during the communist period or by the Taliban).
When asked which were the major causes of the continuing conflict, 36% said the Taliban, but 48% cited government corruption and inefficiency and 70% blamed unemployment and poverty.
-Noel Brinkerhoff, David Wallechinsky
Comments