Kabul has long stood as a symbol of Afghanistan’s resilience but conduct of many of its leaders like Hafizullah Amin remains shrouded in mystery and contention
Kabul, situated over a mile above sea level, is complemented by the Paghman Hills to the west, traditionally a retreat for Kabul’s elite. Paghman, known for its pleasant climate and historical significance, was also the site of significant events, including King Amanullah’s struggle for independence and the 1920 asylum of the Amir of Bukhara. The town symbolises Afghanistan’s resistance to foreign dominance.
Hafizullah Amin, born in Paghman in 1929, rose to prominence as a staunch opponent of superpower influence. His brief tenure as leader, lasting only 104 days, ended with his assassination in 1979, marking a pivotal moment in Afghan politics. Amin’s early education in Kabul and further studies at Columbia University, interrupted by political turmoil, solidified his political engagement. His relationship with Noor Mohammad Taraki and his subsequent return to Afghanistan via Moscow shaped his radical stance and political trajectory.