The current crisis which Afghanistan faces todays has its origins in historical events that extend beyond the period of recent wars. The current territory which defines Afghanistan has never existed as a single political unit throughout its entire history. The country has operated as a collection of ethnic groups who maintain distinct cultural identities and political systems and territorial holdings throughout its entire history. The diverse ethnic groups of Afghanistan create a situation that makes it difficult for the country to establish a unified government which includes all citizens.

The establishment of Afghanistan as a political entity in the 18th century was less a process of organic nation-building because it resulted from conquest which established control over conquered territories. Ahmad Shah Durrani’s rise to power unified various territories under a single authority but this unity existed mostly through military force and tribal loyalty instead of national institutions shared by all people. The governance system of the country operated according to Pashtun customs while political authority remained with Pashtun ruling classes.

The existing imbalance produced results which extended beyond its immediate effects. The state included non-Pashtun groups like Tajiks and Uzbeks and Hazaras but these groups faced exclusion from important governance roles. The process of time developed an alienation feeling which turned into resentment that eventually led to violent conflicts. The ongoing existence of these divisions demonstrates the challenges that arise when trying to create a national identity which people of different ethnic........

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