Overview of Afghanistan
Once an essential part of the hippy trail, friendly,beautiful Afghanistan has sadly been destroyed by years of war and neglect.Home to plentiful countryside and the rugged Hindu Kush mountain range,travellers came for the clear mountain airand to see attractions like thegiant Buddhastatues of Bamiyan.However, the statues and many other monuments were destroyed underthe catastrophic reign of the Taleban, a party ofslamicmilitants. After Afghanistan was accused of harbouring Osama Bin Laden and faced a heavy bombardment from the US which destroyed much sinfrastructure.With thousandsofpeace-keeping troops still occupying Kabul and pockets of fighting continuing in the south, it seems it will be some time before fghanistan is restored to its formerglory.Travellers are strongly advised against all travel to Afghanistan, as the threat from terrorist or criminal violence is extremely high.There is also a widespread danger from mines and kidnap throughout the country.

Overview of Afghanistan When Lonely Planet was hitting the Asia overland trail 1970s,Afghanistan was known for its dramatic mountain scenery and the nparalleled itality of its people. At the turn of the 21st century the country was more mous with war and terrorism, the picture of a failed state. The fall of the Taliban regime in 2001 and the subsequent reconstruction attempts have done much to address this view, but in early 2007 hanistan's future remained on a knife-edge.While itremains a volatile, often hostile area, Afghanistan contains some incredible treasures. Kabul sets a buzzing pace and Mazar-e Sharif & Northeastern Afghanistan is the home of the country's most sacred site. Samangan bak) is the site for the caves and shrines of Takht-e Rostam, a hidden ddhist gem and while the senseless destruction of the Buddha statues of Bamiyan still resonates, their ruins, set in a serene valley, are an awe inspiring sight.