Discuss the reasons for, and impact of, the civil war in Afghanistan (1989–1992).

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for, and the impact of, the civil war in Afghanistan from 1989–1992. Reasons may predate the timeframe and impacts may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may discuss the mujahideen’s rejection of the Soviet-backed Najibullah and the subsequent in-fighting amongst the mujahideen as reasons for the civil war. Other reasons include the failure of the incumbent Afghan government to end the conflict, as well as the lack of an acceptable UN-led transitional process. For impacts, candidates may refer to the expansion of the civil war over Afghanistan that led to large number of casualties, destruction of infrastructure and disruption of daily life. Candidates may also refer to the eventual establishment of Taliban rule in the country which ushered in an era of brutality, repression and poor living conditions. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

There were numerous responses to this question and the majority were very weak. Candidates were required to offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for, and the impact of, the civil war in Afghanistan from 1989–1992.

The majority of responses to this question were very weak as most candidates did not write about the civil war but rather the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.