Week 9
Afghanistan has experienced numerous instances of violence, including international wars, civil wars, and terrorism. Since the Soviet invasion in 1979, the country has been involved in almost continuous conflict. This invasion led to a brutal war with anti-Soviet Afghan fighters, or “mujahideen,” supported by the U.S. After the Soviets withdrew in 1989, Afghanistan descended into civil war as different factions fought for control. In 1996, the Taliban took power, imposing strict Islamic rule. In 2001, the U.S.-led invasion ousted the Taliban, but this also led to ongoing violence as the Taliban and other groups continued to fight for influence. Terrorism has been a constant issue, with groups like the Taliban, ISIS-K, and al-Qaeda carrying out attacks across the country (BBC News, 2021). Unfortunately, the recent return of the Taliban to power in 2021 has not brought stability, as different factions and outside influences continue to fuel unrest.
Australia, while much more peaceful internally, has faced some instances of violence, especially related to terrorism. The country has not experienced civil or international wars on its soil in recent history, but it has been involved in international conflicts, most notably supporting the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan. Domestically, Australia has seen isolated terror incidents, like the Sydney Siege in 2014, where a gunman held hostages in a café. This incident, along with other minor attacks, has influenced Australia’s counter-terrorism policies. Additionally, Indigenous Australians have endured systemic violence and discrimination over the decades, leading to social unrest and calls for justice. The government has taken steps to address these historical injustices through efforts like the “Bringing Them Home” report and the ongoing reconciliation process (Australian Institute of Criminology, 2023).
While Afghanistan’s conflicts are largely internal and stem from political power struggles and foreign interventions, Australia’s violence has been more isolated and related to global terrorism and historical injustices against Indigenous communities. Both countries have implemented policies to address violence, though Afghanistan faces much greater challenges due to continuous conflict and instability.
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