ABC News (AU): The empty Hindu Kush mountains along the fabled Silk Road trading route in central Afghanistan have served as both a lure for the adventurous and an effective barrier against the Taliban lurking beyond — until now. The extremists have steadily gained territory and influence throughout Afghanistan since most Western troops left in 2014. The progressive Shiite Hazara, long persecuted by the Sunni Taliban, have much to fear. Thousands were killed in atrocities during the previous conflict. Click here to read more (external link).