Maybe the calculus does not rely on metronomic time frames but rather historical push-pull factors from surrounding empires? That's the nuanced, complex reality

Maybe the calculus does not rely on metronomic time frames but rather historical push-pull factors from surrounding empires? That's the nuanced, complex reality of Afghan history - a place that exists on/as a natural invasion/trade route, much like Laos, Armenia, Poland, etc. The list of rebuffed invaders is long, and we can now add the U.S.A. and its allies who are now leaving. It is, indeed, the graveyard of empires: https://thediplomat.com/2017/06/why-is-afghanistan-the-graveyard-of-empires/ https://thediplomat.com/2017/06/why-is-afghanistan-the-grave...