This book highlights many startling facts about Afghanistan and Pakistan. Examining the period since the advent of the Taleban in 1994, it covers the sudden and dramatic demise of the rabid fundamentalist regime; the role that al-Qaeda played in strengthening international terrorism from its base in Afghanistan and the desperate bid to destabilise the nascent Afghan state that has come into existence with international blessing on 22 December 2001. In the midst of all these, the reborn Afghanistan is perceived to be struggling against heavy odds, with an external power freshly keen to play its unwelcome role in the destiny of the country. Read about the latest developments in a country that few in the world cared about before 9/11 and everybody cares about now.