Progress

In 1970 Afghanistan was a Monarchy, and broadly stable and law-abiding and a member of the international community. Even whilst poor and economically backward, like (say) South Korea.

But it had a certain degree of sophistication.

Until the international politicians decided that it need to be used to beat the Cold War opponents across the head. In came guns, missiles and high politics.

And the result? Before and after are just too sad for words....