ABSTRACT
From 1979 until 1994, Kandahar experienced a considerable degree of fighting, resulting in the destruction of much of the city centre and the bazaar area. The Taliban are fabled to have emerged as a consequence of a commander’s predatory behaviour in Spin Boldak. The city became the seat of the Kandahar shura, which was composed of strict rather than moderate Taliban. It played an increasingly dominant role following the 1998 cruise missile attacks by the United States. In contrast to other areas of Afghanistan, traditional religious and tribal authorities were able to maintain (and even expand) their power over the course of the conflict, until the arrival of the Taliban induced many senior tribal figures to migrate from the region (Gul Agha Sherzai, Hamid Karzai, Khan Mohammed, etc.). The city became a national traditional and political hub during the Taliban, diverting power from Kabul. Currently, it is experiencing another boom due to the Coalition presence. The return of fighting in 2006, however, has suppressed its further economic growth.
