Includes bibliographical references (page 107) and index.

As a landlocked country in central Asia, the region now known as Afghanistan has stood at the crossroads of empires from ancient to early modern times. Today, the country remains at the forefront of international attention as numerous terrorist organizations operate within its borders, and the ongoing war between the United States, its allies, and rebel forces is nearly two decades old. Rife with economic strife and poverty, plagued by terrorist activity and insurgency, and led by a government struggling to maintain national security, Afghanistan's future appears as difficult as its past. This volume will provide insight into the nation's struggles as the second decade of the 21st century draws to a close.