It was a “David and Goliath” scenario. In 1979 the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan and it was Ahmad Shah Massoud who played the role of David with the help and support of Texas congressman Charlie Wilson and the CIA. Wilson’s efforts to assist Massoud in their war with the Soviets became America’s war by proxy.

From 1980 to 1985, the Soviets would throw two massive offensives against Massoud’s position in Panjshir Valley. Each attack larger than the last. Yet Massoud’s 1,000-5,000 mujahadeen and stinger missiles from the CIA held out against 30,000 Soviet troops armed with tanks, field artillery and air support, repulsing each attack. This heroic resistance earned Ahmad Shah Massoud the nickname “Lion of the Panshir” . In Persian, Shir-e-Panshir, literally “Lion of the Five Lions”.

2002, this image of a guard stationed somewhere on the road to Kabul was shot with a Nikon F3T, Nikkor 24mm lens and Fuji Velvia 100 film. Edited in Lightroom 4.