Afghanistan : a global studies handbook

This work is the definitive guide to the history of Afghanistan, from its foundation in 1747 to the ongoing war on terrorism and the hunt for Osama bin Laden.

Since the time of Alexander the Great, the territory that is now Afghanistan has been a unique crossroads between southern and central Asia.

Fought over by some of history's greatest empires, Afghanistan, once a haven for drugs and terrorism, is now at a crossroads, with the potential to emerge as a beacon of hope and prosperity.

A land of poetry and poppies, leopards and lapis lazuli, this essential handbook on Afghanistan gives a uniquely balanced account of its fascinating natural and cultural heritage, which for too long has remained hidden behind a veil of negative headlines that have focused on the country's very real problems.

Covering a 250-year period, from Ahmad Shah's creation of the Afghan state to the return of King Mohammad Zahir Shah in April 2002, this work documents pivotal events and personalities and presents a unique overview of Afghanistan's culture and society, with a focus on how the country is recovering from the ravages of war and poverty. Highlighting the success stories Afghanistan has witnessed since 2001, including the record wheat harvest of 2003, the elections of 2004, and the country's continuing economic and social progress, this volume presents a well-rounded look at the diverse, exciting nation that is modern Afghanistan.