Afghan dictators

Afghanistan has experienced various authoritarian leaders, often referred to as dictators, who have wielded significant power over the country. Notable figures include Mohammed Zahir Shah, who ruled from 1933 to 1973 and oversaw a constitutional monarchy, and Mohammed Daoud Khan, his cousin, who seized power in a coup. More recently, during the late 20th century, leaders like Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and the Taliban's Mullah Omar ruled with strict control, often using violence and repression. These dictatorships typically arose during periods of conflict and instability, influencing Afghanistan’s tumultuous political history.