Published July 20, 2012 By Felipe Umaña Briefing CCPPR12AF Report available in PDF and Flash formats

Afghanistan has been continuously ravaged by war since the 1980s, after a Soviet-led invasion left the country severely impoverished and bereft of a legitimate government. The vacuum that existed after the Soviet withdrawal saw warring tribes and the Taliban vying for control over the country. Since then, Afghanistan has seen little development as the central government has focused its energies on combating its enemies. Poverty-stricken and without adequate access to healthcare, Afghanis have, for the most part, abandoned hope in the government’s efforts to reform the nation. Traditional tribal politics have superseded the central government’s initiatives.

Many anti-Taliban forces in Afghanistan are anticipating the 2014 NATO withdrawal, merging efforts to ensure a united coalition against powerful pressure groups like the Taliban. As one of the world’s poorest states, Afghanistan also faces a very low level of security and stability, which are a detriment to all facets of society. Afghanistan faces a myriad of economic, political, and social challenges that it needs to address before the country can begin to see positive growth and development. A growing drug trade and widespread violence belittle the country’s frail legal system and continue to put pressure on government authority.

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Latest Update: 2012-07 Felipe Umaña
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