Afghanistan

Much of the territory now known as Afghanistan was known as Khorasan during the Middle Ages and into the 19th century. Much of the region has been traditionally inhabited by tribal cultures, with their own distinctive languages, customs and spiritual values, although there were some major cities such as Herat and Balkh. The region was overrun by Mongols during the 13th century, marking the beginning of several centuries of dynasties and contending powers vying for control of the territories.

European attempts to gain control of Central Asia during the 18th and 19th centuries were largely unsuccessful in Afghanistan. The First Anglo–Afghan War (1839-1842) resulted in a highly unstable occupation and eventual withdrawal by British forces after heavy losses. Russia gradually advanced into the region over the next thirty years, but in 1878 Great Britain again invaded, sparking the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880). By terms of the Treaty of Gandamak, Britain was granted control of Afghan foreign affairs in exchange for protection, but the Afghans retained control of their internal sovereignty. The Third Anglo-Afghan War (6 May to 8 August 1919) resulted in an armistice and the resumption of control over their own foreign affairs to the Afghans.

• From 1985 to the mid-1990s, Afghan Commando brigades wore uniforms made from imported Bulgarian splinter pattern camouflage fabric.

• Northern Alliance lizard pattern Northern Alliance on Wikipedia. Worn in 2001 when the Taliban regime was overthrown

• Northern Alliance spot pattern