The History of Afghanistan, 1600-2012

“We have men and we have rocks in plenty, but we have nothing else.” - Dost Mohammad Khan to John Lawrence


In the 21st century, as NATO’s operation against the Taliban and al-Qaeda has dragged on for over a decade, the old maxim that Afghanistan is the graveyard of empires has been revived. Indeed, the rugged, desolate, and mountainous region was a place that many Westerners likely could not have found on a map before the attacks of September 11, and now the nation’s border with Pakistan is one of the world’s hottest spots. Thanks to Afghanistan and the “Af-Pak” theater, people continue to learn about groups like the Haqqani Network, 


NATO’s struggles to subdue the Taliban and affiliated militants in Afghanistan are merely the latest chapter in Afghanistan’s very turbulent history. Well before the current conflict, Afghanistan frustrated the Soviet Union, and various tribes and religions have attempted to gain traction there over the last several centuries. The history of Afghanistan is a lesson in convolution. 


How did Afghanistan get to where it is today, at the forefront of global affairs? The history of Afghanistan and its people stretch back several centuries, and it is a unique history of empire, culture, pride, and religious nationalism. The History of Afghanistan comprehensively and descriptively covers this history, progressing through a timeline dating back to antiquity and examining all of the different religious, political, foreign, and military issues that affect Afghanistan and are affected by Afghanistan today. The History of Afghanistan will bring readers up to speed on one of the world’s crucial countries today.