KANDAHAR

KANDAHAR is the capital of Kandahar province in Southern Afghanistan. It is located near the Argandab River, 200 m. SW. of Kabul; a well-watered, regularly built town in the middle of orchards and vineyards; is of great political and commercial importance; a centre of trade with India, Persia, and Turkestan.

It was held by the British through the war of 1839-41, and again in 1880-81.

Many empires have long fought over the city due to its strategic location along the trade routes of southern, central and western Asia.

In August 1994 the Taliban, an Islamic terrorist group captured Kandahar and soon after the city was turned into their capital.

It has been again under control of Afghan government since 2001.