Afghanistan : a modern history : monarchy, despotism or democracy? : the problems of governance in the Muslim tradition

"Since 11th September, Afganistan has dominated the news, as it often did during the Soviet occupation (1979-89). But even in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when its mountain ranges provided the arena where much of the Great Game was played out, Afganistan was the focal point of East-West relations. Squeezed between four empires - Russia, China, India and Persia - it has a tortured history that provides an extraordinary glimpse ointo the patterns of world movements. Today Afghanistan sits at the pivot of a region where a new Great Game is taking shape as the US positions itself into becoming a major player in Central Asia. This modern history of Afghanistan is aimed at historians, policy makers and all those interested in the state of the world today."--Bloomsbury Publishing Since September 11th, 2001, Afghanistan has dominated the news, as it did for a long time during the Soviet occupation two decades ago, and long before, when, in the 19th and early 20th century, its mountain ranges formed the backdrop to the Great Game. In the Western imagination it is one of the most romantic, as well as harsh, beautiful and dangerous places on earth. Squeezed as it is between four empires – Russia, China, India and Persia – its tortured history provides and extraordinary glimpse into the patterns of world movements. Today Afghanistan sits at the pivotal point of a region where a new Great Game is taking shape for the War on Terror and control of the oil-rich steppes of Central Asia.Angelo Rasanayagam's magisterial work – the fruit of personal experience as well as years of scholarship – is the first major history of modern Afghanistan. It traces the country's development from the accession of Abdul Rahman Khan, the'Iron Amir'in the 1889, right up to the demise of the Taliban under US bombing over the winter of 2001, and the search for a new state structure in 2002. Of vital importance for understanding the country's current crisis, it will be essential reading for historians, policy makers, journalists, students, and all those interested in the state of the world today.“well-written, succinct, accessible, analytical, objective and balanced – this is one of the best introductions to the history of modern Afghanistan available to the general public.”Baqer Moin, Head of the Persian Service, BBC.“Excellent – a veritable textbook, and a reference source for anyone interested in Afghanistan”Dr. Thomas Withington, Jane's Intelligence Review and King's College, London.“Rasanayagam's work connects a difficult past with a difficult present in order to extract necessary lessons for the future. He presents a complex history, which will be understood by the general reader, drawing attention to a large range of issues in the contemporary world.”Zahir Tanin, Producer for the Eurasian Region, BBC Since September 11th 2001 Afghanistan has dominated the news, as it did for a decade during the Soviet occupation (1979-89), and long before, when, in the nineteenth and early twentieth century, its mountain ranges formed the backdrop to the Great Game. Angelo Rasanayagam has revised and updated his magisterial work, which is the first major history of modern Afghanistan. It traces the country's development from the succession of Abdul Rahman Khan, the 'Iron Amir' in 1880, through to the demise of the Taliban under US bombing over the winter of 2001 and the interim regime that was subsequently established in Kabul by Hamid Karzai. Afghanistan: A Modern History is of vital importance for understanding the country's current crisis and the challenges it faces. Angelo Rasanayagam's book is essential reading for historians, policy-makers, journalists, students and all those interested in the state of the world today.

afghanistan Has Long Been The Focal Point Of East-west Relations, From The 19th And Early 20th Centuries When Its Mountain Ranges Provided The Arena Where The World's Greatest Powers Sought To Expand Their Influence To Its Center Role In International Struggles Today. Squeezed Between Four Empires--russia, China, India, And Persia--afghanistan's Tortured History Provides An Extraordinary Glimpse Into The Patterns Of World Movements. This Serious, Yet Accessible History Of Modern Afghanistan 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.

"Angelo Rasanayagam's magisterial work - the fruit of personal experience as well as years of scholarship - is the first major history of modern Afghanistan. It traces the country's development from the accession of Abdul Rahman Khan, the 'Iron Amir' in 1880, right up to the demise of the Taliban under US bombing over the winter of 2001, and the search for a new state structure in 2002. Of vital importance for understanding the country's current crisis, it will be essential reading for historians, policy makers, journalists, students, and all those interested in the state of the world today."--Jacket. The first major history of modern Afghanistan, this book traces the country's development from the accession of Abdul Rahman Khan, the 'Iron Amir' in 1880, right up to the demise of the Taliban under US bombing over the winter of 2001, and the search for a new state structure in 2002 When Abdur Rahman was recognized as Amir of Afghanistan by the British in 1880 he had spent 11 years in exile in Samarkand and Tashkent, living on a generous stipend from the governor-general and commander of the Russian forces in Central Asia, General K. von Kaufman.