CLASSROOM DISCUSSION POINTS: AFGHANISTAN
1. AFGHAN PEOPLE & SOCIETY:
GOALS: This series of questions is designed to elicit a student’s knowledge of
the Afghan people, explore the impact of history, religion and events on the
Afghan psyche, and compare societal norms with the American experience.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS: Afghanistan has been
plagued by decades of war and civil unrest, including an invasion by the
Soviet Union in the 1970’s followed by a period of brutal rule by the Taliban in
the 1990’s. Following the events of 9/11, an international coalition toppled the
Taliban, drove out Al Qaeda terrorists and enabled democratic elections,
although instability remains. Afghanistan is a Muslim country with little
infrastructure and few resources. It is the largest producer of black market
opium and prone to widespread corruption.
FILM CLIPS: Under FACTS, have students watch the following: (9:47)
• People: Traits
• People: Teenagers
• People: Dating & Marriage
• Living Conditions: In Rural Villages
• Living Conditions: Teenagers
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
- Describe the struggle and challenges of daily life for Afghans.
- Compare an Afghan teenager’s freedoms and daily life to your own living
situation and future.
- How does religion and Afghan culture impact the lives of women?
- One Afghan student talks about difficulties finding friends. Why do you
think that is so?
- If you had grown up amidst war, how might that have changed you,
your views and thought processes?
2. RECENT MILITARY HISTORY:
GOAL: This series of questions is designed to assess student understanding and
thought about recent and current events, particularly Operation Enduring
Freedom.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS: 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 in Afghanistan that was harboring them.
FILM CLIPS: Under HISTORY, have students watch the following: (3:11)
• Origin of the War in Afghanistan (2001)
• Afghanistan War (2001-2013)
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
- What connection did Afghanistan have to the tragic events of 9/11 in
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the United States?
Describe the military and civil actions taken by the United States and
its international partners during the early part of the war.
Do you feel Operation Enduring Freedom was justified? If so, why? If
not, what actions do you think should have been taken?
Why did the Taliban insurgency regain strength after its regime was
toppled and how did international forces react?
What is the situation in Afghanistan now?
3. COUNTER-INSURGENCY & DEMOCRACY:
GOALS: This series of questions is designed to encourage students to
explore the implications of military strategies employed in Afghanistan.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS: The Counter-Insurgency
(COIN) strategy in Afghanistan is an effort to ensure civilian security and to
advise and train local forces so they can defend themselves. It also involves
nation-building and humanitarian actions to develop the country’s political,
economic, and educational systems, and win the “hearts and minds” of
civilians.
FILM CLIPS: Under HISTORY & FACTS, have students watch the following:
(5:11)
• History: Counter-Insurgency/Nation-Building
• Government: Views on Democracy
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
- What does Gen. Petraeus mean when he says “all counter-insurgency
is local”?
- Describe some reasons why COIN efforts take such a long time to
succeed.
- The COIN strategy was hailed for improving stability in Afghanistan, but
some critics feel America should not be in the business of rebuilding
other nations. What do you think? What are the pros and cons?
- Afghanistan now has a democratically-elected government, but what
stands in the way and what promotes long-term acceptance by the
people?
4. MILITARY WITHDRAWAL FROM AFGHANISTAN (2014):
GOALS: This series of questions is designed to promote analysis and critical
thinking skills in students.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS: International military
forces are poised to withdraw from Afghanistan in 2014, turning responsibility
for security over to the Afghans. While future agreements are still being
negotiated, certain types of training, advisory, military and financial support
are expected to continue.
FILM CLIPS: Under HOT TOPICS, have students watch the following: (6:16)
• US Transition in 2014 - Viewpoint 1
•
•
US Transition in 2014 - Viewpoint 2
US Transition in 2014 - Viewpoint 3
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
- Outline the reasons why Afghanistan may destabilize after 2014.
- Outline the reasons why Afghanistan may have some success as an
independent country after 2014.
- How have decades of war affected the Afghan people, and what impact
does that have on the future of democracy there?
- Of the three viewpoints, one is pessimistic, one is cautious and one is
optimistic. Compare and contrast the different assumptions and
conclusions. What is your opinion?
5. WOMEN’S RIGHTS:
GOAL: This series of questions is designed to explore the impact of and test
student knowledge about progress in women’s rights in Afghanistan.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS: Under Taliban rule,
Afghan girls were not permitted to attend school. Women had few freedoms
and opportunities in that largely male-dominated society. Over the past
decade, America and its allies have made major strides in providing health
care and opening up educational and economic opportunities for Afghan girls
and women.
FILM CLIPS: Under HISTORY & HOT TOPICS, have students watch the
following: (4:05)
• Female Engagement Teams
• Women’s Rights Accomplishments
•
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
- Do you think using female troops to engage with Afghan women was a
wise policy? Why?
- Some girls still face life-threatening obstacles just to attend school.
- Consider and describe the courage and determination they must have
to seek an education despite such adversity.
- How would you describe the importance of the US and coalition military
accomplishments in opening up both political and economic
opportunities to Afghan women?
- Do you think women may play an important role in the future of
Afghanistan? Why and how?