What Was Afghanistan Like Before the Russian Invasion, the Taliban and Four Decades of War

It will surprise you, I suspect, to know that Afghanistan was once a modern Islamic nation, prior to the Russian invasion and the rise of the Mujahideen and the Taliban. The country was poor, but women went to school and some on to college and many dressed in Western attire. William Podlich captured that Afghanistan in photographs while living there with his family.

From a wonderful photo essay published by Radio Free Europe:

The Kabul in William Podlich's photographs is an almost unrecognizable place -- a bustling capital of modern cars, green parks, and nattily attired men and women, many wearing Western dress.

A place where women -- Afghans and foreigners -- could freely walk the streets.

A peaceful place where tourists, unconcerned for their safety, could take buses to the major historic sites in the country or across the border to Pakistan.

See the entire story here.

Photo Credit: William Podlich. "Young Afghans gather to share tea, sing, and play music."

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