Shrouding themselves and their aims in deepest secrecy; the leaders of the Taliban movement control Afghanistan with an inflexible; crushing fundamentalism. The most extreme and radical of all Islamic organizations; the Taliban inspires fascination; controversy; and especially fear in both the Muslim world and the West. Correspondent Ahmed Rashid brings the shadowy world of the Taliban into sharp focus in this enormously interesting and revealing book. It is the only authoritative account of the Taliban and modern day Afghanistan available to English language readers.Based on his experiences as a journalist covering the civil war in Afghanistan for twenty years; traveling and living with the Taliban; and interviewing most of the Taliban leaders since their emergence to power in 1994; Rashid offers unparalleled firsthand information. He explains how the growth of Taliban power has already created severe instability in Russia; Iran; Pakistan; and five Central Asian republics. He describes the Taliban’s role as a major player in a new “Great Gameâ€â€”a competition among Western countries and companies to build oil and gas pipelines from Central Asia to Western and Asian markets. The author also discusses the controversial changes in American attitudes toward the Taliban—from early support to recent bombings of Osama Bin Laden’s hideaway and other Taliban-protected terrorist bases—and how they have influenced the stability of the region.
#2323531 in Books 1996-03-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.73 x 6.54 x 9.53l; 2.35 #File Name: 0300064438480 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Excellent account of the strategic and political aspects of Britain's struggle with France.By James BentleyThis is a very interesting and well written account of the later years of the war against France. As is clear from other reviews and the book description; this is an account of the political and financial aspects as much as the military. I'd just like to add that the narratvie becomes more European after 1812 as Russia; Prussia and then Austria rejoin the war. A lot of space then becomes devoted to the negotiations between the Powers. The book also contains an account of the war with the US from 1812-1814.As for 'A reader' who complains that Rory Muir is writing about "how great was his country" along with "a legion of fellow English writers"; he's not English; he's Australian; which 'A reader' should have known if he or she had read the book. And any Australian will tell you that there's a big difference between being an Australian and being English.6 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Interesting and Enjoyable Historical AccountBy Aussie ReaderI found this book surprisingly very easy to read and it held my interest throughout. It covered most facets of Britain's role in the war against Napoleon. As the previous review mentions it looks at why the British Government carried out certain policies and the affects of those policies on it's field army under Wellington; its continental allies and the rest of the countries and people involved in the Napoleonic Wars.This was a very interesting and enjoyable account of the war against Napoleon and I did not find it dull at any time. Although it only scratched the surface of the military campaigns it gave enough detail for the reader to understand completely what was happening and why.Overall this is a well written and researched account of Britain's role in Napoleon's downfall and should appeal to anyone interested in this period of history.12 of 14 people found the following review helpful. Excellent insights into the decisions that led to victory!By A CustomerAnyone interested in the Napoleonic wars will find thisaccount of the political; financial and economic factorsbehind the British stubborn resistance to Napoleon enlightening. Common; everyday; history books tell you what happened and what people did. Muir tells why it happened with explanations of why the various political leaders; generals; etc adopted the policies they did. Among other insights; one has a considerably better understanding of political environment for Wellington's Spanish campaign and of the enormous financial problems his campaign created for England.
