Back in the 1960s and 70s, large parts of the middle east had been undergoing a significant period of advancement in human rights, largely brought about by a fascination with western culture that was being driven by an influx of young tourists from the US. Afghanistan was a popular place for people to travel through.

It wasn't until the CIA's Operation Cyclone came about; that the area was destabilized and fell to extremism.
In this operation, under the guise of fighting the Soviets, the CIA trained and armed the Mujahideen, an über conservative group of islamic extremists that became the Taliban we know today.

Using the Mujahideen, the CIA violently overthrew the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.

The US, toppled democracy, and brought terror to a peaceful world.

Remember that, because we are still doing it.