Some explaining to do

Well, I've taken the plunge, and I'm glad I did, though I am wondering if I should have waited till chapter 2 was done first. Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
The question I faced with this story was simple, and more than a few of us pondered it I'm sure. Just what the hell was the rest of Equestria doing while all heck broke lose? How did a capital city, in the middle of the kingdom, with at least some modern communication technology, not realize it was under attack until the enemy was standing in front of them? And how could a large kingdom like Equestria, bordered by among other things a failed state, depend on so few for it's defense? My answer, there was more to the story. So, we'll see if I can figure out just how much.