Afghan Illusion

Titled the “Afghan Girl”, this June 1985 cover photo by Steve McCurry was named the most recognized photograph in the history of National Geographic. The image of her face, with a red scarf draped loosely over her head and with her piercing sea-green eyes staring directly into the camera, became a symbol of 1980s Afghan hostilities when the Soviets played the role of occupiers and "Charlie Wilson's War" had the unintended consequence of creating the Taliban and Al Qaeda among their Arab allies within the mujahidin.

It has been noted staring too long at the optical illusion can produce headaches... Much like the current conflict and the country itself.