"If any one thing defines the Afghan experience, it has been an almost constant invasion and domination by outsiders. (The other thing that defines Afghan life is poverty.) Perhaps that historical truth can help to explain the fiercely independent-some would say "warlike"-cultures of the countrys various tribal groups. Many Afghans are still overwhelmingly more allegiant to their families, clans, and local leaders-some would say "warlords"-than to any sense of Afghanistan as one, unified nation. But Afghans are a very battle-weary lot. And their trials and tribulations may not be over anytime soon"--.