Afghanistan’s Civilian Exposure

September 11

Traces the vulnerability of Afghan civilians caught between Taliban rule, threatened invasion, factional violence, and dwindling aid.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Country in Ruins A Country in Ruins from "September 11". A Country in Ruins Afghanistan enters the crisis impoverished and devastated by years of conflict.

A Country in Ruins from "September 11". A Country in Ruins Afghanistan enters the crisis impoverished and devastated by years of conflict.

A Country in Ruins Afghanistan enters the crisis impoverished and devastated by years of conflict. Civilian Hardship The population faces displacement, weak infrastructure, and widespread dependence on outside food assistance. A Vulnerable Setting Military decisions made elsewhere therefore carry exceptional consequences for ordinary Afghans.

Fear of Factional Rule Fear of Factional Rule from "September 11". Fear of Factional Rule Many Afghans fear the Northern Alliance’s return because its factions had previously inflicted severe violence.

Fear of Factional Rule from "September 11". Fear of Factional Rule Many Afghans fear the Northern Alliance’s return because its factions had previously inflicted severe violence.

Fear of Factional Rule Many Afghans fear the Northern Alliance’s return because its factions had previously inflicted severe violence. Earlier Abuses Chomsky cites reports of killings, rape, destroyed villages, and mass abuses during the factions’ earlier period of power. A Desperate Comparison The history helps explain why some people accepted Taliban rule as an alternative to warlord violence.

The Border Closure The Border Closure from "September 11". The Border Closure Pakistan closes its long border with Afghanistan amid American pressure and security concerns.

The Border Closure from "September 11". The Border Closure Pakistan closes its long border with Afghanistan amid American pressure and security concerns.

The Border Closure Pakistan closes its long border with Afghanistan amid American pressure and security concerns. Refugees Trapped Afghans seeking escape find routes blocked, while relief organizations face difficulty reaching those in need. Danger Intensifies The closure makes an already desperate humanitarian crisis more difficult to relieve.

Bombing and Hunger Bombing and Hunger from "September 11". Bombing and Hunger American air strikes begin while food convoys and aid operations are disrupted.

Bombing and Hunger from "September 11". Bombing and Hunger American air strikes begin while food convoys and aid operations are disrupted.

Bombing and Hunger American air strikes begin while food convoys and aid operations are disrupted. Compounding Risks Civilians face both immediate danger from military action and the threat of famine from lost supplies. The Unseen Majority Chomsky emphasizes that those who cannot flee are largely absent from the images available to outsiders.

An Uncertain Future An Uncertain Future from "September 11". An Uncertain Future Chomsky describes proposals for a United Nations-backed transitional government and substantial reconstruction aid.

An Uncertain Future from "September 11". An Uncertain Future Chomsky describes proposals for a United Nations-backed transitional government and substantial reconstruction aid.

An Uncertain Future Chomsky describes proposals for a United Nations-backed transitional government and substantial reconstruction aid. A Possible Alternative Independent assistance could help rebuild institutions without empowering the most violent factions. Responsibility Unaccepted The United States rejects nation-building, leaving Afghans’ future dependent on decisions by outside powers and domestic actors.

Before September 2001

September 2001, before the bombing

September 2001

After October 7, 2001

October 2001, as discussion turns to postwar Afghanistan