Afghanistan: The Status of the Shi'ite Hazara Minority

Abstract

The predominantly Shi'ite Hazara minority in Afghanistan has historically been a deprived and poorly treated cluster. During the theocratic rule of the Taliban (1996-2001), they were subjected to an unprecedented degree of violence and persecution. However, since the US-led NATO intervention a decade ago their situation has improved substantially. They have succeeded in securing a sizable share in the political and economic life of Afghanistan in the context of the growth of political pluralism and civil society. This is an important outcome of the international involvement in post-Taliban Afghanistan, despite all the problems and uncertainties that the country continues to face. Even if Afghanistan's national circumstances change dramatically in the wake of troop withdrawal by the USA and its allies by the end of 2014, the Hazaras are now well positioned to be able to defend their rights and interests, and to avoid re-living their bitter historical experiences.