what is the great game in afghanistan

The Great Game: Afghanistan is a British series of short plays on the history of Afghanistan and foreign intervention there, from the First Anglo

-Afghan War to the present day.

Full Answer

Why was Afghanistan a subject of the Great Game?

Berat, Afghanistan, a subject of the Great Game between Britain and Russia. The Great Game refers to disputes between Britain and Russia, over certain territories in Afghanistan, Southern, and Central Asia. Britain was afraid that Russia might add India to the large empire it was establishing in Asia.

Who are the actors in the Great Game Afghanistan?

The Great Game: Afghanistan. The cast included Michael Cochrane and Jemma Redgrave and the directors were Nicolas Kent and Indhu Rubasingham. It was noted for the significant interest shown in the production by the Pentagon, as an educational tool for US soldiers and officials involved in the war in Afghanistan.

Who was involved in the Great Game?

Some writers such as Karl Meyer and Shareen Brysac have connected the Great Game to earlier and later expeditions in Inner Asia, predominantly those expeditions by British, Russian, and German orientalists.

What was the Great Game According to Kipling?

The term "Great Game" is attributed to British intelligence officer Arthur Conolly and was popularized by Rudyard Kipling in his book "Kim" from 1904, wherein he plays up the idea of power struggles between great nations as a game of sorts. Szczepanski, Kallie. "What Was the Great Game?"

What is called the Great Game?

The term Great Game was used to describe the rivalry that occurred between Great Britain and Russia as their spheres of influence in Mughal India, Turkestan and Persia (Iran) moved the two powers closer to one another in South-Central Asia.

What officially ended the Great Game?

1813 – 1907Great Game / Period

Was the Great Game a Cold war?

Ultimately, this book disputes the characterization of the Great Game as a proto–Cold War between East and West. By relating it to other regional actors, Sergeev creates a more accurate view of the game's impact on later wars and on the shape of post–World War I Asia.

What did the Russians call the Great Game?

Bolshaya IgraThe Great Game — also known as Bolshaya Igra — was an intense rivalry between the British and Russian Empires in Central Asia, beginning in the nineteenth century and continuing through 1907 wherein Britain sought to influence or control much of Central Asia to buffer the "crown jewel" of its empire: British India.

Why is Afghanistan called the Great Game?

Afghanistan and the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan are often called the graveyard of empires. This reflects a historical, and partly romantic, memory of when these areas became the centre of rivalry between global powers. This was dubbed the Great Game by the British and Russian in the 19th century.

What was Afghanistan called before?

In the Middle Ages, up to the 18th century, the region was known as Khorāsān. Several important centers of Khorāsān are thus located in modern Afghanistan, such as Balkh, Herat, Ghazni and Kabul.

Why did Russia invade Afghanistan?

The Soviet Union also believed that the hostile behaviour of Afghanistan against Pakistan and Iran could alienate Afghanistan from the west, and Afghanistan would be forced into a closer relationship with the Soviet Union.

Why did Russia go to Afghanistan?

The Soviet Union intervened in support of the Afghan communist government in its conflict with anti-communist Muslim guerrillas during the Afghan War (1978–92) and remained in Afghanistan until mid-February 1989.

Why did Russia enter Afghanistan?

The Soviets Upheld the 'Brezhnev Doctrine' Even Dubček's modest steps away from hardcore communism offered reason enough for the Soviets to invade Czechoslovakia and abduct him. By 1979, Afghanistan, a faltering, once-friendly regime, provided another chance for the USSR to militarily enforce the Brezhnev doctrine.

Has Afghanistan ever been conquered?

Conquest by Tamerlane (Timur) and Mughal Empire From 1383 to 1385, the Afghanistan area was conquered from the north by Timur, leader of neighboring Transoxiana (roughly modern-day Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and adjacent areas), and became a part of the Timurid Empire.

Did Britain conquer Afghanistan?

A British incursion into Afghanistan ended in disaster in 1842 when an entire British army, while retreating back to India, was massacred. Only a single survivor made it back to British-held territory. It was assumed the Afghans let him live to tell the story of what had happened.

Who colonized Afghanistan?

When the 26-year-old Amanullah ascended the Kabul throne in February 1919, Great Britain retained control over Afghanistan's foreign affairs, rendering the country a British protectorate. King Amanullah focused on securing the state's absolute sovereignty, unqualified by colonial control or encroachment.

How did the Great Game end?

Some historians consider the end of the Great Game to be the 10 September 1895 signing of the Pamir Boundary Commission protocols, when the border between Afghanistan and the Russian Empire was defined. Others see it concluding with the signing of the Anglo-Russian Convention on 31 August 1907.

What was the cause of the Great Game quizlet?

What was the cause of the Great Game? in the 19th century both Great Britain and The Russian were struggling for control of their region. The Russian troops had moved southward and british leaders wanted to stop the advance before the troops could threaten Britain's possesions in india.

What was the cause of the Great Game?

The major blow for Afghanistan's Durrani dynasty in the nineteenth century, was to counter the rising power of the Russia having intention to bring under control whole region of central Asia for a lunge against Britain's Indian empire.

What was the Great Game between Great Britain and Russia?

"The Great Game" was a political and diplomatic confrontation that existed for most of the 19th century between the British Empire and the Russian Empire over Afghanistan and neighboring territories in Central and South Asia.

What is the Great Game?

The term 'the Great Game' traces its history back prior the 19th century mainly referring to risk games such as dice and cards. Le Grand jeu which is the French equivalent of the term, traces back to 1585 and is affiliated with risk, deception, and chance. Sir William Hay Macnaghten who was the leading British agent in Afghanistan wrote a letter in the summer of 1840, arguing the British's accession of Herat in the Western region of Afghanistan. In the letter, he wrote ‘We have a beautiful game on our hands.’ Captain Author Connolly who was a newly appointed officer is also accredited for the term especially in his July 1840, correspondence to Major Henry Rawlinson, Connolly where he stated ‘You have a great game, a noble game before you.’ However, the Great Game in regards to the Anglo-Russian conflict in Central Asia came to be more popular after World War II.

When did the Great Game begin?

The Great Game commenced on January 12th, 1830 when Lord Ellenborough assigned Lord William Bentinck the task of establishing a new trade route to the emirate of Bukhara.

What was the Great Game between Britain and Russia?

The Great Game refers to disputes between Britain and Russia, over certain territories in Afghanistan, Southern, and Central Asia . Britain was afraid that Russia might add India to the large empire it was establishing in Asia. In the same breath, Russia was afraid of ...

Who said "You have a great game, a noble game before you"?

Captain Author Connolly who was a newly appointed officer is also accredited for the term especially in his July 1840, correspondence to Major Henry Rawlinson, Connolly where he stated ‘You have a great game, a noble game before you.’.

What was the border between Afghanistan and Persia?

The border stretched from Afghanistan to the Eastern point of Persia declaring Afghanistan an official British protectorate. The relationship between the Russian and British Empires still continued to be strained until the two empires had to join forces to fight against the Central Powers during the First World War.

What is the Great Game?

The Great Game: Afghanistan is a British series of short plays on the history of Afghanistan and foreign intervention there, from the First Anglo-Afghan War to the present day. It is organised into three sets of four plays and draws its name from the 19th and 20th century Great Game, a geopolitical struggle for dominance between The British and Russian Empires. The main plays are linked by monologues and duologues giving historical background and verbatim theatre edited by Richard Norton-Taylor from modern figures linked with western involvement in Afghanistan, such as William Dalrymple, Hillary Clinton, Stanley McChrystal and David Richards .

Who wrote the mini skirts of Kabul?

Miniskirts of Kabul by David Greig – A Western journalist imagines a meeting with president Mohammad Najibullah as the Taliban closes in on his refuge in the UN compound in Kabul in 1996.

Who wrote the book Bugles at the Gates of Jalalabad?

Bugles at the Gates of Jalalabad by Stephen Jeffreys – Four buglers outside Jalalabad keep watch for survivors from the Massacre of Elphinstone's Army, while Lady Florentia Sale reads her diary.

What was the Great Game?

The Great Game — also known as Bolshaya Igra — was an intense rivalry between the British and Russian Empires in Central Asia, beginning in the nineteenth century and continuing through 1907 wherein Britain sought to influence or control much of Central Asia to buffer the "crown jewel" of its empire: British India .

Who started the Great Game?

The British Lord Ellenborough started "The Great Game" on January 12, 1830, with an edict establishing a new trade route from India to Bukhara, using Turkey, Persia, and Afghanistan as a buffer against Russia to prevent it from controlling any ports on the Persian Gulf.

What was the name of the country that divided Persia into two zones?

The Great Game officially ended with the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907, which divided Persia into a Russian-controlled northern zone, a nominally independent central zone, and a British-controlled southern zone.

Did Britain conquer Afghanistan?

Although Britain's attempts to conquer Afghanistan ended in humiliation, the independent nation held as a buffer between Russia and India. In Tibet, Britain established control for just two years after the Younghusband Expedition of 1903 to 1904, before being displaced by Qin China. The Chinese emperor fell just seven years later, allowing Tibet to rule itself once more.

What would happen if the Taliban proved they were not medieval monsters but only deeply conservative?

If the Taliban prove they are not medieval monsters but only deeply conservative, India could open up to them. Or they will make an outreach to India to balance Pakistan.

How do Pakistanis support the Taliban?

Finally, there is the Pakistani factor. The Pakistanis have supported the Taliban, given them sanctuary and bases, helped rebuild their military power, given them access to weapons and money, even directed and planned their operations and strategy, and done things (including assassinations) to keep the Taliban movement from splitting. Understandably, the Pakistanis feel they have a major claim to what happens in Afghanistan. But as some analysts have pointed out, many Taliban harbour deep resentment over how they have been treated and bullied by the Pakistanis. For their part, the Pakistanis are wary of Taliban recalcitrance, defiance, and support for the Pakistani Taliban. These factors might not come into play surface immediately but will eventually. The thing is that the Pakistanis desperately need to get Afghanistan right this time. They cannot afford isolation, even less in the region. They have enormous stakes riding on Afghanistan, all of which now depend on how Taliban run their affairs. Naturally, the Pakistanis will want to have a say in this, and as is their wont, they will be overbearing, interfering and demanding, something that could lead to a pushback from the Taliban, and perhaps create an opening for India.

Why did Pakistan double down on the Taliban?

A prolonged conflict suited neither of them because it would put paid to all the grand plans and schemes they had, including extending CPEC to Central Asia and bringing to fruition the connectivity and geo-economic dreams of Pakistan. That is why Pakistan doubled down on the Taliban offensive. While maintaining plausible deniability, the generals have put all their weight behind the military solution that the Taliban had always wanted to impose. The way the generals in Rawalpindi see it, the doomsday scenarios being painted by some analysts of the Taliban stratagem backfiring are far-fetched. There could be some trouble, but nothing the Pakistan Army cannot handle. The generals are also not overly concerned over any kind of international isolation or even sanctions being imposed on Pakistan. At worst, there could be some tension in relations with the West. Pakistanis calculate that they will be able to ride these out partly with the support of other countries—China, Russia, etc. But also because the Pakistanis believe the US cannot push things over the edge as it will continue to need Pakistani airspace for its ‘over-the-horizon’, and will want to have eyes and ears on ground in Pakistan to monitor what’s happening in Afghanistan.

Is there an end game in Afghanistan?

Let us be clear. There is no end-game in Afghanistan. A new ‘Great Game’ is just starting. India needs to show strategic patience. It is a matter of time before things open up for India once again. Perhaps if the Taliban prove they are not medieval monsters but only deeply conservative, India could open up to them. Or they will make an outreach to India to balance Pakistan. Alternatively, there could be resistance to Taliban from around the region, which again will open up new options for India. For now, however, India must prepare for the long game. This includes helping India’s friends in Afghanistan by giving them refuge. They will be our strongest allies whenever things take a turn in Afghanistan. Helping Afghan friends isn’t just an emotional or sentimental response, it is also a strategic response. The Afghans India helped in the really tough times in the 1990s became our strongest allies for the last 20 years. That India lost opportunity after opportunity in Afghanistan over these two decades isn’t on the Afghans, but on Indian policymakers who focused more on soft power and not enough on developing hard power options in a hard country like Afghanistan. Let us not make the same mistake twice.

Who was the first country to recognize the Taliban?

The Chinese will probably be the first to recognise the Taliban regime, followed by the Pakistanis. The Russians, Central Asians, and perhaps Iran will follow suit.

Has Afghanistan been abandoned?

Afghanistan has been abandoned not only by the world powers that promised never to do it again, but also by the Afghan National Army that has simply disintegrated without even putting up a real fight. In time honoured fashion, leaders in provinces cut their side deals, bought their insurance policies, got bribed or convinced, and opened the gates of the cities and garrisons for the Pakistan-backed Taliban militia to takeover. It is now a matter of days before Kabul falls to the Taliban.

Why was Afghanistan called the graveyard of empires?

Gorbachev has a unique perspective: In 1989 he oversaw the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, called by some the “graveyard of empires” due to failures to conquer it throughout the 19th and 20th centuries when Russia and England played the “Great Game” seeking control of the territory. The Soviet Union, in an attempt to maintain the loyalty of Afghanistan’s political leadership, initiated a military operation in 1979 that lasted 10 years, with around 15,000 Soviet troops killed. Now the United States has contributed to the list of failed missions, adding the lives of almost 2,500 servicemembers to Afghanistan’s sorrowful track record.

What did Russia and China do to help Afghanistan?

In a show of growing partnership and political bromance, Russia and China have agreed to foster collaboration over Afghanistan and pledged to strengthen strategic communication and mutually “safeguard the rightful interests.” On August 25, Putin and Xi Jinping aligned their stances on the Afghan issue, sharing mutual concerns and interests and vowing closer cooperation to prevent interference by any foreign country. Breaking away from the Western-led efforts to pressure the Taliban on human rights and evacuation deadlines and procedures, China and Russia jointly abstained from any calls echoing the G-7’s statement.

What countries align their positions in Afghanistan?

As China and Russia align their positions in Afghanistan, the West looks on suspiciously.

Did China recognize the Taliban?

China famously welcomed a Taliban delegation to Tianjin in late July. The group clearly seeks expanding engagement with Beijing, calling China a “friend” and welcoming investments for reconstruction. China, in turn, opted for pragmatism, being one of the first global powers to recognize the Taliban “an important military and political force” while holding the bilateral summit on July 28. that followed the Taliban’s reassurance to Beijing that they will not “interfere in China’s internal affairs.”

Is China helping Afghanistan?

Beijing has already promised to contribute to the peaceful reconstruction of Afghanistan and also called for the United States to join in. China is set to capitalize on the power reshuffle by promoting its multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which are meant to boost China’s trade with the region and activate natural resource extraction. Afghanistan is home to up to $2 trillion worth of extractable rare earth metals, with a great chunk of lithium – an irreplaceable material for the high-tech production prioritized by China’s leadership.

Is Afghanistan a menacing threat to the region?

Throughout the rapid changes in Afghanistan, China and Russia have effectively exchanged relevant information. Both view the deteriorating situation as a menacing threat to regional stability. But they have also sought to use the situation to their advantage by highlighting the global decline of the United States, slamming its “ hasty ” and “ hurried ” withdrawal, and turning the case of Afghanistan into an infowar weapon by warning Taiwan and Ukraine about being similarly abandoned by Washington.