With the rise of two rival European powers Britain and Russia in Asia, Afghanistan became the focal point of Anglo-Russian rivalry in the 19th century. However, Amir Abdur Rahman tried to use this rivalry to his benefit and to consolidate his authority over the whole of Afghanistan. His son and successor Habibullah too followed a cautions policy of equidistance between Britain and Russia. He pursued the policies of friendly relations with the British in India, at ...
