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Five Years in Afghanistan: Taliban's Return Five years ago, a U.S. bombing campaign, combined with a ground assault by U.S.-backed rebels, overthrew the Taliban in Afghanistan. Since 2001, Afghans have gone to the polls to elect a president and parliament, and more than 4 million refugees have returned home. But the country also faces a resurgent Taliban.

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Five Years in Afghanistan: Taliban's Return

Heard on All Things Considered

Ivan Watson

Five Years in Afghanistan: Taliban's Return

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Part I of the Story

Five years ago, a U.S. bombing campaign, combined with a ground assault by U.S.-backed rebels, overthrew the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Since 2001, Afghans have gone to the polls to elect a president and parliament, and more than 4 million refugees have returned home.

But Afghanistan also faces daunting challenges that threaten its future -- none bigger than a resurgent Taliban.