Plundering continues and no trace of the exquisite Gandharan statuary survives. From a distance it appears that the long, decorated marble inscription may have been removed. Politically, the situation in Afghanistan is as unstable as ever. To the north, power is in the hands of Uzbek warlord General Abdul Rashid Dostum, military chief in the former communist government. He has formed an alliance with other militia leaders, including General Ahmed Masood, and they are taking the offensive in trying to push back the Taliban from Kabul.
Peace now looks as far away as ever.
When it finally arrives, this troubled land will find that much of its heritage has been lost forever.