Afghanistan

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Afghanistan has made significant progress since the Taliban were deposed in 2001, but still faces daunting challenges, including defeating terrorists and insurgents, dealing with years of severe drought, recovering from over two decades of civil strife, and rebuilding a shattered physical, economic and political infrastructure. Coalition and NATO forces under ISAF work in partnership with Afghan security forces to combat Taliban and al-Qaida elements who continue to seek to terrorize the population and challenge the government. The ISAF Coalition-Afghan partnership contained the spring offensive planned by insurgent forces, who have turned instead to isolated terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings and kidnappings.

President Hamid Karzai was sworn in as President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on December 7, 2004. He and his ministers work with the parliament, which first convened in late 2005, to establish policies and procedures to deal with the array of issues any government must address, as well as Afghanistan’s unique challenges. The government is in the process of developing a more effective police force, a more robust legal system, and sub-national institutions that work in partnership with traditional and local leaders to meet the needs of the population. The U.S. works closely with the international community to provide coordinated support for these efforts. The recent Afghanistan-hosted Peace Jirga with Pakistan resulted in a commitment to cooperate in combating terrorism, facilitate the return of Afghan refugees, and support regional economic activity. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Afghanistan for additional information.

Places to See: http://www.placesonline.com/asia/afghanistan/places.asp

Events: http://www.southtravels.com/asia/afghanistan/events.htm

Food and Drink: http://www.iexplore.com/dmap/Afghanistan/Dining

Music: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Afghanistan

History: http://www.rawa.org/afg-info.htm

Industry: http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/Afghanistan-INDUSTRY.html

Health: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/Afghanistan.aspx

Personal Safety, Entry/Exit Requirements, Traffic Safety: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1056.html

Embassy: http://kabul.usembassy.gov/