Afghanistan - A rugged country

Much of Afghanistan, located in the Hindu Kush, is covered by insurmountable mountains. This rugged topography explains the ethnic diversity and unwavering desire for independence of its inhabitants. Afghan history is also extremely complex and characterised by an almost permanent state of war. An overview. In his novel "Les Cavaliers" Joseph Kessel already drew a very memorable picture of Afghanistan, the home of Commander Massud. A large part of the Hindu Kush country is covered by insurmountable mountains. This rugged topography is not the least explanation for Afghanistan's ethnic diversity and its inhabitants' unwavering striving for independence. Afghan history is also extremely complex and characterised by an almost permanent state of war: Colonial conflicts between Great Britain and Russia, the invasion of the Soviet Union, the invasion of the USA after the attacks of 11 September 2001, not to mention the tense relations with neighbouring Pakistan, the central and ominous role of the Taliban, and today the presence of the terrorist militia "Islamic State" in the country. [arte]