Before that it was used as a buffer state between British India and the Russian empire. Basically it's one of those places that are strategically important and so get's invaded by everyone and their granny until "under the heel of foreign oppressors" is the national identity.
The Soviets left in -89, after that it's the civil war until -96 when the Taliban took over until the US invasion in -01.
But before all that they where independent from 1919 to 1979 following the British occupation after the second Anglo-Afghan war of 1878-80.
Like I said in a different comment; They been invaded by everyone and their granny.
But before all that they where independent from 1919 to 1979 following the British occupation after the second Anglo-Afghan war of 1878-80.
Like I said in a different comment; They been invaded by everyone and their granny.