17 photos that prove the country where America has been fighting its longest war is actually one of the most beautiful on earth

For most people around the world, hearing the name Afghanistan brings to mind images of war, terrorism, political turmoil, and a near-failed state whose human development index is one of the lowest in the world.

The United States has been at war in the country for over 16 years - the longest in American history. Afghanistan has been embroiled in conflict for almost 40 years, during which the Afghan people have experienced a Communist coup, an invasion by the Soviet Union, and the rise of al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Just this week, an ISIS militant detonated a bomb in a Shia cultural center and news agency in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital, killing over 40 people. The tragedy evoked just how much violent extremism still hampers the country's progress.

But underneath this brutal and frustrating modern history lies a country with a natural and cultural beauty that has few equals in today's world. With sweeping valleys, snow-capped peaks, and a patchwork of cultures and peoples, Afghanistan is truly one of the most gorgeous places on earth.

Here are 17 stunning photos that showcase the side of Afghanistan you won't see on the news: