Dostum Online

Dostum transitioned into formal politics but remained a controversial figure: RIC Query - Afghanistan (27 May 2003) - USCIS

: During the 1990s, he effectively ruled a "state-within-a-state" in northern Afghanistan from his stronghold in Mazar-e-Sharif. Dostum

: Rose to prominence during the Soviet-Afghan War, commanding a powerful 20,000-strong militia that patrolled northern Afghanistan for the communist government. Dostum transitioned into formal politics but remained a