Crawford 2

ABSTRACT

This paper reviews Afghanistan as a failed nation-state with an historical review of the Taliban and a post surge prognostication of the viability of Afghanistans ability to not be a failed nation-state. It will also focus on the current and historical (in general post 9/11) civil structure with the specific intent of discussing and theorizing the ability of the existing regimes ability to maintain a civil society in the face of enormous challenges (research question). Although the current regime of Karzai has been in place and (in general) supported by the USG/NATO, the dismissal of Amrullah Saleh nearly a year ago to date by Karzai will have a destabilizing affect on the current regime leading to civil unrest and or war reminiscent of pre 9/11 Afghanistan (hypothesis). Salehs tribal, religious and political affiliations are in direct opposition to those of Karzai including but not limited to Salehs support of and work with deceased Northern Alliance leader Ahmad Shah Massoud.