Post by Afghanistan on Sept 28, 2004 19:15:09 GMT -5
In a crowded room, men from all across the country bicker and shout, creating in an incomprehensible wall of sound where a dozen tribal dialects clash, punctuated by the odd Koran verse delivered in broken Arabic. The Loya Jirga, a grand tribal council called together to settle matters of deep importance, and few more important than this. The king was dead, killed in an accident that smelled of assassination. Without a new, strong leader to hold together the rival tribes the country of Afghanistan will collapse. It is late, the smell of desperation and sweat linger in the air. A withered old husk of a man wades into the middle of the room, and pounds on the floor with his cane, a sharp sound cutting through the dull roar. The room grows quiet, and the assorted delegates turn their attention to the elder. He points his cane at a young Pashtun wearing an Afghan military uniform sitting in the corner, his feet propped up, and a cigar, a rare western vice, clamped between his teeth. “You have yet to speak. I am interested in what you have to say.” Slow and measured he stands, and addresses the crowd. “This fighting only weakens us, when we can ill afford it. Russia is to the north. British India is to the south. We are in the middle. If we do not maintain an orderly government then we will become the jewel in some Imperial crown, or worse a minor obstacle to be plowed under to make way for greater conquests. It is time to vote and be done with it.” With that the assembly agreed. This was the new king, the man to lead their nation into a new age.
(Army list, based on the Historical Afghan Army)
50,000 Regular Troops (75 infantry battalions, 21 cavalry battalions)
Poorly trained and equipped with a wide range of weapons from modern British and German rifles, to older stocks liquidated from larger countries.
280 Field Artillery (70 Batteries)
A wide range of field pieces, ranging from 75mm mountain guns down to old 7 pounders. Most use antiquated black powder produced by Sikh armories. Most are still pulled by horses.
80,000 Tribal Lashkars
Irregular troops supplied by the tribal leaders. More hardened, and better trained then the regular Afghan troops.
(Army list, based on the Historical Afghan Army)
50,000 Regular Troops (75 infantry battalions, 21 cavalry battalions)
Poorly trained and equipped with a wide range of weapons from modern British and German rifles, to older stocks liquidated from larger countries.
280 Field Artillery (70 Batteries)
A wide range of field pieces, ranging from 75mm mountain guns down to old 7 pounders. Most use antiquated black powder produced by Sikh armories. Most are still pulled by horses.
80,000 Tribal Lashkars
Irregular troops supplied by the tribal leaders. More hardened, and better trained then the regular Afghan troops.
