What kind of ruler was Zahir Shah and why did modernization start?

On part 1 of the Soviet Afghan War the Afghan King is overthrown leading to a series of coups, counter coups, and purges that would eventually set the stage for Soviet intervention. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys buy a shirt: https://teespring.com/stores/lions-led-by-donkeys-store Sources for all related episodes: Gregory Feifer. The Great Gamble: The Soviet War in Afghanistan Svetlana Alexievich. Zinky Boys: Soviet Voices from the Afghanistan War Lester Grau. The Bear Went Over the Mountain: Soviet Combat Tactics in Afghanistan