Afghanistan’s descent into conflict and instability in recent times began with the overthrow of the king in 1973. Zahir Shah was in Italy for an eye operation when he was deposed in a palace coup by his cousin, Mohammad Daoud…

The story of Afghanistan is in so many ways a very tragic one. Afghanistan is one of the most impoverished nations of the world. It is one of the most war-torn, most ravaged, and most beleaguered of nations. It is a nation that has been beset by invasion, external pressure…

The history of Afghaniston begins at 330 BC with the rise of Alexander the Great to modern times. Afghanistan is a territory whose current boundaries were mostly determined in the 19th Century. The word Afghanistan is used to refer to that territory, even though, and especially because, it has been known by many other names throughout history. Afghanistan’s history, internal political development, foreign relations, and very existence as an independent state have largely been determined by its geographic…