How did Afghanistan come from a recent history seeking modernization to being invaded by the USSR in 1979 and then stunningly turn back the Soviets before plunging into civil war? And how did the United States end up fighting for 20 years in a war that was doomed to failure? Toby Marion will discuss America’s longest war, interweaving his presentation with a deep appreciation of the culture, Islamic religion, poetry, and history of the Afghan people.

Toby Marion served in the Peace Corps in Afghanistan in 1971 where he was a science teacher trainer. He went on to teach at Kabul University. He later worked in the international oil industry in the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. He is the author of Afghanistan: Crossroads and Kingdoms.