The book first focuses on the way in which land use is considered a critical issue in physical urban development. Population growth and the need to develop urban areas has given rise to concerns regarding the management of natural disasters in urban communities. The authors investigate Iran's agricultural sector, particularly its current condition and trends, in an effort to assess the welfare of the community as well as the environmental quality. Additionally, this compilation aims to determine the main causes of economic development in Yazd City, reviewing the role of merchants in the historical context. The evolution of U.S. policy in Afghanistan is evaluated from the war's initiation in 2001 up to the present. Despite overtures to achieve a cease fire and on again off again talks with the Taliban, President Trump has conceded that the U.S. will remain in Afghanistan until we have either a deal or total victory, neither of which looks realistic at this time. The authors attempt to link the increase in youth population in Afghanistan to rising terrorism, addressing implications on security and policy. Following this, the US-led reconstruction efforts that followed the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan and the 2003 invasion of Iraq are described. In the penultimate chapter, the structure of law enforcement agencies in Afghanistan and their contribution to the promotion of state authority, security perception and legitimacy is evaluated. In closing, the reconstruction of the magnificent ruins of Palmyra, a World Heritage monument, is assessed.