Kazakhstan, Kirgystan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have all become independent states in central Asia, following the break-up of the USSR. All have Muslim majorities and ancient histories, but are otherwise very different. This book provides an introduction to the region. Rashid gives a history of each country, including its incorporation into Tsarist Russia to the present day. He provides basic socio-economic information and explains the diverse political situations. He focuses primarily on the underlying issues confronting these societies: the legacy of Soviet rule; ethnic tensions; the position of women; the future of Islam; the question of nuclear proliferation; and the fundamental choices over economic strategy, political system and external orientation which lie ahead.
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Ahmed Rashid is a well known journalist and author of The Taliban: Islam, Oil and the New Great Game in Central Asia (2008).
'Ahmed Rashid is one of Pakistan's most gifted and astute political commentators. This account will be of interest to scholars and lay readers alike. What makes it especially valuable is that Rashid's priorities are very different from those of most Western observers.' - Tariq Ali
'Ahmed Rashid writes concisely, keeping up a rapid pace starting with the historical background of the region, looking in turn at its five republics - Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - and finally at their common interests and rivalries... Rashid's book is eminently dispassionate and unideological.' - International Herald Tribune
'As an introduction to the history and culture of the region, Ahmed Rashid's is as good as you will find.' - Times Literary Supplement
'A serious, authentic and well documented account of current affairs in Central Asia, situated in a properly researched historical context.' - Herald, Kerachi
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Seller: Infinite Minds, Greenfield, MA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition! Pages crisp, clean, and bright. May show light signs of wear; e.g bumping, rubbing, creasing. Binding strong & spine intact! Seller Inventory # A4X-0195775481