geopolitics

In the 19th century the British and Russian Empires fought over Afghanistan. With access to India the Brits sought to fold Afghanistan into their Asian sphere of influence; With borders on Russia the Tsars sought to maintain their control of Asia. In the 20th century the game continued with the United States seeking to use Afghanistan to defeat the Soviet Union and win the Cold War and after 9/11 The War Against Terror. Afghanistan won the Great Game in both centuries and remains independent. What does this new victory mean for Afghanistan? What does the defeat mean for the United States in the Great Game of the 21st century?