Rise of Afghanistan

In our world, Afghanistan is often though of as a failure and a lost cause. However, there were several points in Afghan history where this was not the case. This timeline explores the possibility of Afghan expansion and industrialization.

Point of Divergence
The Afghans get tired of Sher Ali Khan's military failures against the British. A coup occurs, permanently ending the Barakzai dynasty. The Afghani military commander Karim Khan launches a coup against the Emirate, and abolishes the monarchy, declaring an Islamic Republic. Intially friendly with the British, these relations do not last.