Habibullah

Born circa 1872; died Feb. 20, 1919, near Jalalabad. Emir of Afghanistan from 1901.

Under the influence of patriotic circles, Habibullah attempted at the beginning of his reign to implement reforms aimed at strengthening the state and reducing its dependence on Great Britain. Later, he opposed the Young Afghans, carried out a proBritish policy, and attempted to hinder the rise of the liberation movement. Habibullah was assassinated as a result of a palace plot.