Synopses & Reviews
The first move in what would later be called 'The Great Game'-the strategic maneuvering between the Russian and British Empires on the North West frontier of India-was the occupation of Kabul (then Cabul) in 1839 by a military expedition from India. This was also the first Western presence in Afghanistan other than one or two journeys by individual travellers. The purpose was to install a client ruler. Initially all went well, and the expedition's achievements were celebrated as a great success and proof of a wise strategy. But progressively the apparent stability began to unravel, leading in turn to assasinations, wholesale insurrection, and a catastrophic withdrawal.