The British policy towards Afghanistan in the first half of the 19th century aimed at strengthening Afghanistan as a buffer against Russia.

Option 1: Strengthening Afghanistan as a buffer against Russia. This option correctly reflects the main objective of British policy towards Afghanistan during this time. The British saw Afghanistan as a strategic location that could serve as a barrier between British India and Russian expansion in Central Asia. By supporting and strengthening Afghanistan, the British sought to prevent Russian influence from spreading southwards.

Option 2: Weakening Russian influence in Afghanistan but not promoting a strong Afghanistan either. This option is not entirely accurate. While the British did aim to weaken Russian influence in Afghanistan, their overall goal was to establish a strong and stable Afghanistan that could act as a buffer against Russian expansion.

Option 3: Promoting Russian influence in Afghanistan to control insurgent tribal leaders. This option is incorrect. The British policy in Afghanistan was aimed at countering Russian influence, not promoting it.

Option 4: Annexing Afghanistan as a directly-controlled British Territory. This option is incorrect. The British did not seek to annex Afghanistan but rather to maintain it as an independent buffer state.

In conclusion, option 1 accurately reflects the main objective of the British policy towards Afghanistan in the first half of