THE CHOICES PROGRAM BROWN UNIVERSITY
VIDEO COLLECTION

The United States in Afghanistan

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Introduction: A Forever War?

The United States in Afghanistan
What are the most common misunderstandings about Afghanistan?

Part I: Afghanistan’s People and History

Why did the British Empire want to control Afghanistan’s rulers?
How was Afghanistan affected by more powerful countries and empires on its borders?
How has Afghanistan’s geography affected its history?
What was the Cold War?
How do the historical legacies of imperialism affect Afghanistan today?
Why did the United States and the Soviet Union compete in Afghanistan?
How did Afghanistan’s rulers try to maintain autonomy and control over Afghanistan?
What was “The Great Game”?
What was the relationship between Afghanistan’s rulers and the British Empire?

Part II: The Soviet Invasion and the Rise of the Taliban

What are the most important things to understand about the rule of the Taliban?
How did the Taliban come to power?
Why was President Najibullah able to remain in power after the departure of the Soviet military?
What were the social effects of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?
Why did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan in 1979?
How did rule by the Taliban in the 1990s affect the lives of Afghans?
Was the U.S. response a surprise to the Soviet government?
How did President Carter react to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?
What were the effects of the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan?

Part III: Afghanistan and Pakistan After 9/11/2001

What is the Authorization for the Use of Military Force?
What are some of the positive effects of the foreign presence in Afghanistan?
Why does Pakistan want to play an influential role in Afghanistan?
Why is there an insurgency in Afghanistan?
What are the divisions in Afghanistan today?
Why are drones controversial?
What is the difference between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan Taliban?
What is daily life like in Afghanistan?
Why is security an important issue for Afghans?
How has the presence of international organizations affected the lives of Afghans?
Has the War on Terror been effective?

Lesson: The Geography of Afghanistan

How has Afghanistan’s geography affected its history?
How do the historical legacies of imperialism affect Afghanistan today?

Lesson: Looking at Afghanistan

What is daily life like in Afghanistan?
What are the most common misunderstandings about Afghanistan?

Lesson: Life Under the Taliban

How did the Taliban come to power?
How did rule by the Taliban in the 1990s affect the lives of Afghans?
What are the most important things to understand about the rule of the Taliban?

Lesson: The Cold War and the Soviet Invasion

What was the Cold War?
What was the status of U.S.-Soviet relations just prior to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?
What were the effects of the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan?
Why did the United States and the Soviet Union compete in Afghanistan?
Why did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan in 1979?

Lesson: Voices From Afghanistan

What are the most common misunderstandings about Afghanistan?
How has the role of women in Afghan society evolved during the 20th and 21st centuries?
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