First published 1998.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Foreword / Dan Rather -- 1. Introduction. Features of Physical Geography. Geographic Zones. Agriculture and Irrigation. Demography. Ethnic Groups, Languages, and Structures. Lifestyles. Worldview -- 2. Afghan History to 1973. The Afghan Empire. The Muhammadzai Dynasty and the Great Game (1826-1919). The Period of the Independent Afghan Monarchy. Socioeconomic Developments of the Liberal Democratic Period. The Legacy of Imperialism. The Legacy of the Cold War -- 3. Geopolitics Then and Now. Prosperity and Diversity Along the Silk Road. A Dangerous Neighborhood. The Geopolitical Background of the Soviet Invasion. The Politics of Physical Geography. The Geopolitics of the Jihad. The Geopolitics of the Islamic State -- 4. Traditional Afghan Islam. Islamic Institutions and the State. The Belief Systems and Their Sociopolitical Implications. Loyalties and Identities. Sufi Orders and Other Forms of Confrereship. The Future of Traditional Islam -- 5. Marx Among the Afghans.

The Origins of Reformists and Marxists. The Soviet Union and Afghan Marxists. The Liberal Constitutional Period (1963-1973). Sharing Power: The First Afghan Republic. Marxists with Illusions: The Taraki-Amin Years (1978-1979). Marxists Disillusioned: Karmal and Najibullah (1979-1989) -- 6. Holy Warriors, Mujahidin, and Fighting for Islam. The Mujahidin Position and Kabul. The Three-Branched Afghan Mujahidin -- 7. Beyond War: Afghanistan in Post-Cold War Central Asia. Legitimacy. Islamic Politics. Regional Cooperation. The Taliban Movement: Internal and International Aspects. The Future for Peace -- App. B. Modern Period Rulers of Afghanistan -- App. C. Chronology of Afghan and Regional Events, 1747-1997 -- App. D. Glossary of Afghan Terms.