The vulnerability of the Indian subcontinent to invasion by neighboring Russia engaged the attention of politicians from early Victorian times, with around sixty military campaigns in Afghanistan and on the infamous North-West frontier -- "the Great Game". Frequent clashes erupted between British soldiers and the fiercely independent Pathan tribesmen, whose reputation for bravery, cruelty and cunning was tempered by the mutual respect with which both sides regarded each other. Britain invaded Afghanistan three times to ensure that her own interest prevailed over Russia and the Soviet Union, and in 1973 the coup led by President Daoud afforded the opportunity for deeper Russian penetration into Afghanistan and the development of a one-party state. By December 1979 Russian forces had increased from 5,000 to 80,000 in less than a year. - Back cover.