conclusionHindu, Buddhist or secular atheists. Many have married non-Muslim
Europeans and their children are educated in Western, secular schools and
universities. These encounters, particularly among the younger generation,
have broadened Afghans’ understanding not only of their own identity,
but of ‘the other’.
Afghanistan emerged from the collapse of three great empires. Despite
not being a coherent, historical entity it has somehow survived the vicis-
situdes of the colonial and post-colonial eras. Its history is a troubled
one with the struggle for identity, stability and good governance still un -
resolved. The jury is still out as to whether Afghanistan in its present form
will survive or if it will revert to rival, self-governing fiefdoms once foreign
funding and military support is withdrawn. One can only wish Afghans
well, for they deserve better than to be condemned to perpetual insecurity
and uncertainty.