Afghanistan History Home
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1 Persian Achaemeniad control
2 Greek control
3 Indian control
4 Parthian control
5 Greco-Bactrian control
6 Yüeh-Chi (Kushans)
7 Sasanid Persian rule
8 Arab muslim dynastic rule
9 Competing local dynasties
10 Seljuk Turks (Selyucids)
11 Shansabani Persians of Ghür (Ghürids)
12 Khwärezm-Shahs (Uzbekhs)
13 The Mongols
14 Sarbardarids
15 Timurids
16 Eastern Afghanistan
17 Western Afghanistan
18 Independent Afghanistan under the Hotaki Khans
19 Return of the Safavid Persians
20 Shah Nader's Persian Empire and the unifying of Afghanistan
21 Independent Afghanistan under the House of Durrani
22 House of Baraksay
23 Republic of Afghanistan: The presidency of Sardar Mohammad Daud Khan
24 Democratic Republic of Afghanistan
25 Russian occupation
26 Civil war: Post-Russian occupation
27 Civil war: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
28 Taliban rule
29 Post-Taliban rule
  
  
  Updated November 2001
  Compiled by Dr Kevin Vang © 2001
  Website by Ahmet Bektas (web ).
23.0 REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN THE PRESIDENCY OF SARDAR MOHAMMAD DAUD KHAN
17 July 1973 Coup and Overthrow of the Monarchy: While the King is in Italy for medical treatment, he is overthrown by the former Prime Minister, Sardar Mohammad Daud in a coup in which 8 people are killed and many more jailed including the Prime Minister. After the coup, the King remains in Italy where he is joined by the Queen and Crown Prince in self-imposed exile. Many foreign observers see the coup as Soviet inspired, but nonetheless give swift recognition to the new republic.
18 Jul 1973-Apr 1978 Sardar Mohammad Daud Khan (cousin): The former Prime Minister, disillusioned with the democratic processes and worsening economy seizes power, and abolishes the Monarchy. Daud establishes a republic himself as President and Prime Minister, and abolishes the 1964 constitution. He also renounces his princely title (as he had married the king’s sister). He immediately ressurects the issue of the Pathans in Pashtunistan where he is supported by a large rally. Pakistan reacts cooly.
September 1973 Coup Attempt: A failed coup attempt against the new regime results in the jailing of key government leaders including the former Prime Minister Mohammad Hashim Maiwandwal. President Daud accuses Pakistan of complicity. Pakistan denies the allegation. 5 alleged plotters are later tried and killed in Dec 1973
December 1973 Coup Attempt: Another coup attempt led by conservative military, political and religious elements also fails.
1973 Closer Links with the USSR and China: Both the USSR and China become increasing allies of President Daud in an effort to woo his support.
Oct 1975 General Amnesty: The president proclaims a general amnesty for jailed government leaders deposed in the 1973 coup. Many including the former Prime Minister, Mohammad Musa Shafiq are released.
Dec 9 1976 Coup Attempt: Retired military personnel unhappy with their low pensions stage an uprising. It is led by former General Mir Ahmed Shah. The uprising is quickly repressed.
Jan 30 1977 Grand National Assembly: In accordance with his December 1976 degree, Daud appoints the first post-monarchy Grand National Assembly. The prime objective of the new Assembly is to draft a new constitution. The members of the Assembly are largely hand-picked from conservative tribal elders, family and friends alienating the large, left-leaning Khalq and Parcham Parties. Major demonstrations break out against the government.
Nov 1977: Assassination of the Planning Minister: The Planning Minister since 1974, Ali Ahmed Khoram, is assainated outside his Ministry office.
 

© 2001 by Kevin Vang

Website by Ahmet Bektas (web)