The subject of Afghanistan is a dear one to me because I spent 18 months of my life, back in 2001-2002, running all over Afghanistan chasing Taliban Insurgents and being shot at by local warlords and assorted Militia, while I was there with my Army Unit.
Such a shame because it is probably the most beautiful country ive been to on this earth and the women are super cute.
Anyway...
Ahmed Rashid has written an excellent book on Afghanistan, the Taliban, and that arcane region of our world. He is very well educated regarding his topic. He knows how to professionally research, and he writes clearly and concisely.
I doubt that anyone not from that region of the world could research and write such a quality study. Rashid has all of his life resided amidst the people, the issues, and the political climate about which he discourses. His book is excellent, not only for its history of Afghanistan and the Taliban, but also for his view of how and why outside powers have chosen to exert their influence in the area: Russia, India, USA, Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, and all Central Asian states.
What Rashid reveals is not only a heinous political movement, but also a religious movement within Islam. One that has been and still is vehemently supported by very conservative elements in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. religiously, the Wahabbis dominate Saudi Arabia, and they want not only to return that country to the 7th Century AD, they also have an extremely xenophobic hatred of the non-Islamic world; the West, Israel, and all of Israel’s supporters (particularly, the USA). The support given to bin Laden’s followers and his terrorism, which they knowingly back, is something that isn’t going to go away with the removal of the Taliban from Afghanistan or the death of bin Laden. Much more is at the root.
Rashid’s book is an excellent description of many significant events, and it is also an explicit warning for the future. Radical Islamic beliefs are rampant in much of the Muslim world, and the Taliban are not alone in their intolerant perception of right and wrong. Islam appears to have no effective way to deal with the ’’radicalization’’ of many of its ilk. There is no benign supreme authority, like the Catholic Pope, to reign in extremist mullahs, who are preaching hate and violence to ignorant masses....
This is a huge problem that must be dealt with before it violently explodes around the world. Probably, only Muslims can create some sort of a solution, as outsiders are rejected and reviled.
September 11, 2001 was a sad day in the history of mankind, but it is also a day that is cheered by many radical Muslims, such as the Taliban. This book helps reveal why, and helps us understand where money and support is eminating from within the Islamic world. The USA and other western states had better start dealing to correct these religious realities, or the Taliban experience in Afghanistan will surely be repeated in the future in another country.
All of this is a subtle part of Rashid’s message...
One should read this book as a primer to the region and to radical forces within Islam. It provides an excellent foundation for anyone, who wants to expand his understanding of this region of the world and of this religion that is believed in by 1 billion souls, many who support radical elements.