3.+Mohammad+Khan



Mohammad Daud Khan

Aim Mohammad Daud Khan held great purpose in Afghanistan. Khan served as Afghanistan’s president from 1973 to 1978. Encyclopedia Britannica states, “He was an Afghan politician who overthrew the monarchy of Mohammed Zahir Shah in 1973 to establish Afghanistan as a republic” (Encyclopedia Britannica). The reason Mohammad Khan is discussed is because he held great power and was an influential leader, especially with strength and technique to overthrow King Zahir Shah. He created and enhanced many changes after the King to positively affect the people of his country, the economy, education, and foreign affairs.

-Elizabeth Nadeau

Audience The intended audience for this terms are those within Afghanistan or those who would like to gain knowledge on this influential political leader. President Khan’s aim for power was not the same as the King’s. Encyclopedia Britannica states, “Daud Khan sought to suppress the left and lessen the country’s dependence on the Soviet Union” (Encyclopedia Britannica). Holding different purpose in regards to his power pulls the audience in by leaving them curious and intrigued by the techniques, morals, and goals that were used by Mohammad Khan. Khan’s approach contrasted with the King’s focus during his reign, creating a turn in history through his processes and achievements. The intended audience is those who are interested in learning more about the rule of Mohammad Daud Khan and what occurred during his presidency.

-Riley Thompson

Historical Khan still remains as a major part of international history. The president was once a prime minister, eventually leading to many other occurrences throughout his lifetime. Encyclopedia Britannica states, “As prime minister he instituted educational and social reforms and implemented a pro-Soviet policy. He was also an advocate of Pashtun irredentism, the creation of a great Pashtunistan in Pashtun areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. This caused the relationship between the two countries to deteriorate and eventually led to Daud Khan’s resignation. His overt participation in politics was severely curbed in 1964 when a new constitution barred members of the royal family from holding political office.” (Encyclopedia Britannica) This set up only the beginning of Mohammad Khan. He soon led a coup that overthrew Zahir Shah, Encyclopedia Britannica also claims, and declared Afghanistan a republic with himself as president. Mohammad Daud Khan showed not only great leadership, but overpowering rule amongst his people. The history of himself and his rule still lives on to tell a powerful, yet uncanny story.

-Melanie Jones

Culture Mohammad was educated in Kabul and France and was a cousin and brother-in-law of Zahir Shah, the King of Afghanistan before he was overthrown. Khan also pursued a career in the military, rising to command an army corps that “held the post of minister of defense from 1946 to 1953” (Princeton). Mohammad’s presidency focused on reducing the dependence on the Soviet Union, which ultimately shifted the culture in Afghanistan. His presidency was a transition into a newly brought power of a communist government under Nur Mohammad Taraki. In modern culture, Mohammad Daud Khan did similar for our society and people as King Shah did. Khan demonstrated what should and should not be done, and how greatly a powerful leader can impact the people of the country.

-Melanie Jones

"Mohammad Daud Khan." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2013.

"Mohammed Daoud Khan." Mohammed Daoud Khan. Web. 08 Nov. 2013.