In this highly analytical study, a former interior minister of Afghanistan surveys the geographic, social, and political foundations of war in Afghanistan from the 19th century through the present day. * Dispels the myths, cliches, and stereotypes regarding Afghanistan, providing an authentic view of the Afghan culture * Profiles the immense panorama of wars, battles, and conflicts spanning the full length of Afghanistan's extraordinary history * Reveals the unique socio-political conditions that favor the development of a national culture of guerrilla warfare * Features region-specific maps, diagrams of battles, and military organizational charts of forces in major conflicts that help construct key events in Afghan military history