Why is Mazar-i-Sharif important?
Mazar-i-Sharif was strategically important. Its capture opened supply routes and provided an airstrip inside the country for American aircraft. The battle was the Taliban’s first major defeat and precipitated a rapid transfer of territory in northern Afghanistan.
Is Mazar-i-Sharif Shia?
Mazar-i-Sharif is the capital of Afghanistan’s Balkh province, and is home to a significant Hazara minority, who follow the Shiite Muslim tradition.
Why Afghanistan is strategically important?
Afghanistan is an energy bridge and thus key to achieving India’s strategic objectives. Huge deposits of energy raw materials and high-value mineral deposits. A substantial concentration of such resources is along Afghanistan’s borders with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan.
Why are the Hazaras persecuted?
Most of these Hazaras immigrated to neighbouring Balochistan, where they were provided permanent settlement by the British colonial government. Others settled in and around Mashad, Iran. The Hazaras of Afghanistan faced severe political, social and economic tyranny and denial of basic civil rights.
Why India is important for Afghanistan?
After the overthrow of the Taliban, India established diplomatic relations with the newly established democratic government, provided aid and participated in the reconstruction efforts. India has provided $650–750 million in humanitarian and economic aid, making it the largest regional provider of aid for Afghanistan.
Why do Pashtuns hate Hazaras?
Pashtun ethnocentric policy under Amir Abdur Rahman Khan in the late 19th century led to a sectarian jihad against the Shia Hazaras, who were deemed “infidels”. During his reign, as many as 60 per cent of all Hazaras were murdered or forced to leave their homeland – sometimes being sold into slavery.
Is 12 Strong based on fact?
The film is based on Doug Stanton’s non-fiction book Horse Soldiers, which tells the story of U.S. Army Special Forces sent to Afghanistan immediately after the September 11 attacks.
What is the seizure of Mazar-i-Sharif?
Seizure of Mazar-i-Sharif would ease the pressure on President Bush to reconsider current military strategy. Mazar-i-Sharif is the most important city in northern Afghanistan, with two airports and a road connection to the Uzbekistan border.
Why is Mazar-i-Sharif so important?
Mazar-i-Sharif is the most important city in northern Afghanistan, with two airports and a road connection to the Uzbekistan border. Controlling these would give opposition forces, and American planes and ground units, a forward base inside Afghanistan and a useful military resupply route.
Did the Northern Alliance take Mazar-i-Sharif?
TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. The first important military victory of the war against terrorism seemed close at hand yesterday, with reports by Northern Alliance forces that they had taken the northern Afghanistan stronghold of Mazar-i-Sharif.
Will the Taliban collapse if Mazar-i-Sharif falls?
But because the city is separated from the southern population centers of Afghanistan by nearly impassable mountains, the fall of Mazar-i-Sharif is not likely to lead to the Taliban’s rapid collapse.