The United States and Afghanistan were once two worlds far apart, but when the Taliban emerged, the two countries united in hope of freedom and security for everyone. On September 11, 2001, the United States World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked by a group of planes hijacked by Taliban terrorists supporting the militant group Al-Qaeda, which was then in force control of Afghanistan. The United States has launched a raid in Afghanistan in hopes of defeating the efforts of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. This raid is known as the “war on terror”. The United States is now rebuilding Afghanistan. The United States is discussing a permanent occupation of Afghanistan, this notion is supported by both countries. Although the two countries have strong political relations, cultural comparisons are two worlds apart. Afghanistan is located in the mountains of southern Asia. The World Fact Book (2011) reports that the country has an estimated population of at least 30,000,000. The country has been a country ruled by war, which is why they have experienced many forms of government systems, but the culture of the country has remained strong. The country's main religion is Islam, which governs many cultural aspects. Afghanistan is a collectivist country, which means group achievement, peace and pride. This loyalty to family stems from the Islamic religion which places the soul over kinship. The country practices neutrality and it is considered extremely unacceptable to make family affairs public. Decency is very important, and it would be a shame for his family to act inappropriately or unreservedly in public. The Islamic religion follows particularism; they believe that each circumstance must be dealt with individually and that there... middle of paper ...... have completely different philosophies, they come together and complement each other for a greater goal of security and peace in within each county. Two worlds collide. References Afghanistan. (2011). Accessed 03/08/2011 from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/7798/AfghanistanAfghan wedding traditions and current laws. Retrieved from http://www.muslim-marriage-guide.com/afghan-marriage-traditions.htmlLanders, M and Grossman, L (2010). Afghanistan. Retrieved from http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student.php?id=1Wedding Traditions in the United States. (2001). Retrieved from http://www.worldweddingtraditions.com/locations/north_american_traditions/united_states_traditions.htmlWorld Fact Book: Afghanistan. (January 11, 2011). Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/af.html