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Excellent book. Ahmed Raschid is a dedicated reporter of facts and leaves the conclusions to the reader.I highly recommend it for anyone that wants a greater understanding of the issues in the war torn middle eastthan you will ever get from our mainstream media.
Rashid, a Pakistan journalist, has published a magnificent review of the Taliban's rise from ragtag gang to semi-victors of the Afghan civil war of the 90s. Rashid adds two chapters on Afghanistan's importance to the world oil and gas market, providing rational for neighboring countries' actions and support for factions in civil-war torn Afghanistan. Taliban includes a revealing study of the reclusive Mullah Omar. The Taliban massacre of thousands of innocent Afghans as well as their outrageous treatment of women is abominable. Excellent analysis of third-nation interests in Afghanistan including Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and China. Although somewhat dated (written in 2001), this book is a must to understand why a negotiated settlement with the Taliban is an unacceptable solution to the conflict in Afghanistan."
Rashid has a compelling writing style that balances complex details with flowing, engaging narratives. I read Rashid's "Taliban" as an introduction to the current U.S. war in Afghanistan, and I have found it to be highly readable, accessible, and enjoyable. As a Pakistani journalist in Afghanistan, Rashid has managed to land interviews with prominent Afghani and Taliban leaders, as well as common soldiers. Their stories, which Rashid uses as a vehicle for his extensive presentation of background information about Afghanistan, give the "Taliban" a moving and personal feel.
Reading this book, it's hard not to get a sense of blowback on the part of the U.S: i.e. The U.S.
Above all, while this book near the end lays out a role for the U.S. diplomatically--it seems to lay out a framework for why any strategy involving the miltary (including the U.S) won't work.
Considering that the book was written prior to September 11th attacks (and the polices that resulted) this book holds up fairly well. Afghanistan was in civil war that even the Taliban, as violent as they could be, could not completely put out.
Rashid does a good job of describing the violent history of Afghanistan and Central Asia, as well as how the Taliban came to power. This book is especially relevant given the current U.S dilemma with Afghanistan.
occupation more or less reopened this powder keg. supporting the mujaheeden and looking the other way on the drugs that supported the mujaheeden have created a nightmare now.
book was in great condition as described. speedy delivery. would buy from this person again.
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