In the 1960s, Afghanistan was divided between a westernised elite and a traditional, largely poor majority of the population. A communist revolution set these contradictions on fire.
The Soviet army left Afghanistan, but the war continued between Mujahideen commanders. The country fell into chaos, until a new force emerged: the Taliban.
Following 9/11 and the overthrow of the Taliban, an international coalition tried to bring peace and democracy to Afghanistan. But hopes were short-lived.