Afghanistan, called the crossroads of central Asia, has had a turbulent history. It has evolved from Arab rule to Genghis Khan, to eventually the European influence, which brought more conflict in the late 1800s.

It wasn’t until 1973 that prime minister Daoud abolished monarchy, abrogated the 1964 Constitution, and declared Afghanistan a Republic. His new attempts for social reforms failed and the Constitution was promulgated in 1977.

In 1978, after the Soviet invasion, a treaty of cooperation with Afghanistan was signed and the Soviet military numbers increased. The regime was now dependent upon the Soviets. As insurgency spread, the Afghan Army began to collapse.

After the invasion, the Karmal Regime, which was backed by Soviet troops was unable to establish authority. A majority of the Afghan people opposed the communist regime, actively and passively. Afghan soldiers made it impossible for the regime to become established, which lead to the demise of the Soviet takeover.

Afghan’s population was now over 28 million people, most  living outside the country, in Pakistan and Iran. There were more than nine ethnic groups and their religion was mostly Sunni Muslim. They spoke primarily Dari or Afghan Farsi. Afghanistan has survived decades of war, poverty, and many foreign and domestic regimes. The people of Afghanistan have been strong, resourceful, and resilient, while living with the nightmare of war and constant instability.

This story is about another dark side of Afghanistan, the lives of the Bacha Bazi Boys. Young boys forced into dance and sex slavery by the successful businessman and the warlords of the region. This time-honored tradition condemned by human rights activists continues today. The United States military and its allies have tried to make a difference.

– C.R. Shea