The 20th and 21st century saw political turmoil and instability at its most extreme. Having gained independence from the British in 1919, the government was later the target of much democratic-communist struggle. In 1979 the Soviet Union invaded to support the communist regime and withdrew ten years later following a decade of devastation. Anarchy reigned throughout a series of subsequent civil wars which climaxed when Kabul conceded to the Taliban in 1996. The US and Allied forces joined anti-Taliban fighters to siege Osama Bin Laden following the September 11 terrorist attacks. During this time the UN established a means of political reconstruction which introduced a new constitution and a democratic election in 2004.
There has been much international scrutiny over the honesty and moral standing of the current government, but the people of Afghanistan are hopeful for a free and peaceful future.