The Hindu Kush mountain range in Afghanistan separates the basins of the Kabul and Helmand rivers from that of the Amu Darya, they are mainly barren, or at most sparsely sprinkled with trees and stunted bushes. The Mountain's passes were once used by Alexander the Great, Timur, and others in their invasions of India and more recently played critical strategic roles during the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. Periodic closures due to conflicts in the area seriously affect the economy and well-being of many regions, for they are also major routes carrying commercial trade, emergency relief and reconstruction...