Star Trek: 10 Reasons With Sisko & Kira's Relationship Is Key To Deep Space Nine
8. Rebuilding Bajor
When the Cardassian occupation of Bajor finally came to an end, the planet was left in ruins. The Cardassians strip mined the planet for everything they could take. They destroyed cities and planet wide infrastructure. They stole historical and religious artefacts. But as bad as that all was, the literal torture they inflicted on the people was worse.
In the aftermath, the Bajoran Provisional Government asked the Federation for help. A lot of rebuilding was needed to get the planet to the point it would be self-sufficient, again. But the bigger concern was the Cardassians trying to re-invade Bajor. Working with the Federation brought in Starfleet as security.
The core of Sisko's mission was to head up the rebuilding of Bajor. To that end, he requested a Bajoran First Officer and was assigned Major Kira. Her guidance helped Sisko on an incredibly difficult path while he helped Bajor move forward from a disturbing and dark place.