Trying to put some distance between you (the West) and the US,
Are you for real? Afghanistan was making real progress in the areas of equal rights for women (they were holding positions in all professions, even the Courts and Politics), as well as having fair election. Their opposition was the 'old guard' who wanted women back in the homes any that is it, no education, nothing. Pay attention here Goober It was money and equipment from the CIA that gave the 'old guard' the means to form an effective attack. It was their intention to do the very same thing as they did in Iran in 53. The reason Afghanistan was abandoned to the supressive warlords is there is no natural resources there that was important at the time. What mattered was to not let democracy take hold where it was working the way it should work. Iran, free election, military overthrow made possible by the US.
Those are the ones who tossed the grenade, they are the followers of people the US paid to be as cruel as necessary to achieve their goals, right down to throwing acid in the faces of women who dared to stand up as an individual rather than being a piece of property.
The time to leave them alone was the mid '70's.