This book compiles papers from a recent seminar organized by The Academy of Third World Studies of Jamia Millia Islamia, where a number of noted experts looked in depth at events in and around Afghanistan, its history, current situation and future prospects; also what it tells us about todays unipolar world. The newly aquired significance of Central Asia is highlighted and the special situation of Iran analysed. Collectively, these papers are an illuminating study of events whose full implications can only be guessed at but whose whose relevance to Indias future strategy cannot be bypassed.