THE GREATGAME: THE EPIC STORY BEHIND TODAY’S HEADLINESPeter Hopkirk’s spellbinding account of the great imperial struggle for supremacy in Central Asoa has been hailed as essential reading with that era’s legacy playing itself out today.The Great Game between Victorian Britain and Tsarist Russia was fought across desolate terrain from the Caucasus to China; over the lonely passes of the Parmirs and Karakorams; in the blazing Kerman and Helmund deserts; and through the caravan towns of the old Silk Road—both powers scrambling to control access to the riches of India and the East. When play first began; the frontiers of Russia and British India lay 2000 miles apart; by the end; this distance had shrunk to twenty miles at some points. Now; in the vacuum left by the disintegration of the Soviet Union; there is once again talk of Russian soldiers "dipping their toes in the Indian Ocean."The Washington Post has said that "every story Peter Hopkirk touches is totally engrossing." In this gripping narrative he recounts a breathtaking tale of espionage and treachery through the actual experiences of its colorful characters. Based on meticulous scholarship and on-the-spot research; this is the history at the core of today’s geopolitics.
#233004 in Books 2011-03-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.75 x 6.00 x 1.00l; 1.29 #File Name: 1566568242372 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Hamas-A History on Its "Without"By Pen NameYou won't get much on Hamas's internal structure; but this book gives you everything you could ask for in Hamas's external politics. The book presents Hamas in a different light. The group is no longer a mere terrorist organization; but also a political movement with a stake in elections and a care for its people. Those close to Israeli political leaning will not find it satisfying; for those close to Palestinian politics: you'll find it to be a much needed and timely book.0 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy Martin MoranWell researched; but over emphasis on names insteadof their influence.2 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Confirms terrorist principlesBy GderfThis book emphasizes Hamas' role as a social service organization while denying; or rather justifying; its propensity to violence. Purportedly seeking to correct western mis-impressions; it actually goes a long way to confirming the ideology of Hamas as a terrorist organization. On page 2 Tamini cites the mis-impression that “it's extensive charitable and educational work to promote its foremost aim: driving Israel into the sea.†On page 4 the book establishes principles of Hamas founder; Hassan al-Banna (1906-1949). “His movement's long-term goals were; first to free the Islamic homeland from all foreign authority; and second; to establish an Islamic state within this Islamic homeland.†We can be sure that the “Islamic homeland†includes Israel and the second goal exactly reflects that of the current ISIS organization. The text confirms the “mis-impression†of Hamas as a terrorist organization. Tamini goes on to excuse promotion of violence in the Hamas constitution; saying that it doesn't really reflect the organization's principles. It's like saying that we in the USA don't really live by our Constitution. The introduction refrains from mentioning the goal of jihad to spread Islam; though it's a Koranic obligation of every Muslim. The book includes appendices of articles whitewashing Hamas without the charter or internal statements of principle. Even in that selection the goal of “liberation†with the implied excuse for violence is evident.The book is very informative on origins from the Ikhwan banch of the Muslim Brotherhood as well as recent history and organization. It's a good history of Gaza from 1967 although claiming a booming economy prior to occupation.Triggering formation of Hamas is attributed to the “accident†in 1985 where Arabs used the Haram al-Sharif as a platform for throwing rocks on the people at the wailing wall. Tamini attributes that to Israeli military presence that showed up to stop the incident. I am continually enthralled by how cleverly Arab political theorists justify violence. Tamani appears to undercut Hanan Ashrawi; who is still more clever. Suicide bombing is justified as self defense. All violence in the book; including suicide bombings in markets and buses; is justified by “Zionist†action; leaving intact in the author's mind the premise of Hamas as a non-violent organization.Hamas replaced the PLO as the principle representation of the Palestinian populace when Arafat; at least publicly; recognized Israels right to exist. Hamas expressed shock at the PLO peace initiative. The book is informative on the careers of Hamas leadership like Sheikh Ahmad Yassin and their relationship with other Arab polities like Egypt; Syria and particularly Jordan. The organization was suppressed for involvement in the attempt to overthrow the government of Jordan. Except for a mention of the Israeli high court and Israeli Arabs; the state of Israel is hardly mentioned. Jews are discussed only in connection with Zionism. It's not a credible omission from a Hamas purview. The Quran is not given as the basis of Muslim national politics and likely the Hamas constitution. There's an excessive attempt to follow principles of Western democracy especially emphasizing secularism. Separation of church and state is not credible in a book about a Muslim political establishment. Tamini claims that only a small fraction of Hamas funding is devoted to military operations. That's while citing successful military operations along with extreme conditions in Gaza. If the book is to be taken seriously; Hamas is a social service organization operating under democratic principles while eschewing violence. It can convince only Noam Chomsky and Jimmy Carter.
