Readers examine the history of Afghanistan, including its wars with the British Empire through its present-day occupation by American and NATO forces. Issues explored include the rise of the Taliban, the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent U.S. military ouster of the Taliban, the war of insurgency, and the plan for military withdrawal. Case studies show real-life experiences from a variety of sources, and opinion panels present diverse points of view. Timelines, fact boxes, and maps are other helpful resources provided for a deeper understanding of the content provided.