Sher Ali [key], 1825–79, emir of Afghanistan (1863–79), son of Dost Muhammad. His succession was opposed by other members of his family, notably his brothers. Sher Ali turned from his friendship with the British toward friendly relations with Russia, which was then extending its power into central Asia. Trouble with the British finally brought on the second of the Afghan Wars. Sher Ali's forces were defeated by the British, and he had to flee the country. He died in exile, and his entire party was ousted from Afghanistan in 1880. His pro-British nephew, Abdar-Rahman Khan, became emir.
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