Afghanistan: A Modern History (Library of Modern Middle East Studies) - Hardcover

Rasanayagam, Angelo

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1860648460 ISBN 13: 9781860648465

Publisher: I. B. Tauris, 2003

Synopsis

Afghanistan has dominated world news since September 11th 2001, as it did during the Soviet occupation of 1979-89. Indeed, Afghanistan has long been the focal point of East-West relations, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries when its mountain ranges provided the arena where the world's greatest powers sought to expand their influence. Squeezed between four empires--Russia, China, India, and Persia--Afghanistan's tortured history provides an extraordinary glimpse into the patterns of world movements. Today Afghanistan sits at the pivot of a region where new spheres of influence are taking shape as the U.S. positions itself into becoming a major player in Central Asia. The first serious history of modern Afghanistan, this book is of vital importance for understanding the country's current crisis and is essential reading for historians, policy makers, and all those interested in the state of the world today.

About this title

About the Author:

Angelo Rasanayagam was Chief of Mission for the United Nations in Iran and a number of other countries, before becoming Director of the UNHCR office in Peshawar, Pakistan. He now lives in Geneva.

Review:

"...this is the most clear, accessible, and informative single volume available for general audiences...highly recommended."--B. Tavakolian, Choice
"...a valuable reference on communism in Afghanistan and its aftermath."--Sol Schindler, Washington Times

"...essential reading for historians, policy makers, journalists, students and all those interested in the state of the world today."--Middle East Magazine

"A magisterial study of this troubled nation."--History Today

"...competent history of modern Afghanistan...a good account of the Soviet intervention." --Times Literary Supplement

About this edition

• Publisher: I. B. Tauris
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1860648460
• ISBN 13: 9781860648465
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 310