Islamic Fundamentalism in Afghanistan: Its Character and Prospects
Abstract
The Afghan fundamentalist (Islamist) movement, which has been active in Afghan politics since the late 1960s, has been powerfully reinforced by the Soviet invasion and, subsequently, by the mujahidin's sensational victory over the Red Army. In the absence of such a struggle, Afghan fundamentalism would have remained a distinct but politically marginal force in Afghan politics. This report is one of a five-part series consisting of four reports analyzing Islamic fundamentalism in the Northern Tier countries (Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) and a fifth integrative study that seeks to establish common patterns and characteristics in the experience of all those states with fundamentalism. The purpose of the studies is to examine the phenomenon of Islamic fundamentalism: its origins, its historical basis, and its relation to the political, economic, and social institutions of each country. The studies attempt to elucidate the likely character of fundamentalist policies in these countries -- excluding Iran, which is already a fundamentalist regime -- were Islamic radicals to come to power. The role of Iran's influence in each of these countries also is examined. Finally, the studies examine the implications for U.S. policy and the possible options the United States might exercise in shaping its relations with these countries in the future. Although the study limits its scope to Northern Tier countries, its conclusions are of relevance to other countries in the Muslim world.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA253094
Entities
People
- Graham E. Fuller
Organizations
- RAND Corporation