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The Forty-Year War in Afghanistan

A Chronicle Foretold
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( 169 ratings, 22 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Forty-Year War in Afghanistan by Tariq Ali explores the tumultuous history of Afghanistan over four decades, delving into the conflicts and foreign interventions that have shaped the nation's recent past. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the political dynamics and military strategies that have influenced Afghanistan's modern history. Through a detailed examination of key events and players, the book offers insights into the persistent challenges and consequences of the long-standing war in the region.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in understanding the complexities of Afghanistan's recent history, particularly the international conflicts and interventions that have shaped the region over the past four decades. With insightful analysis, it may appeal to those keen on exploring geopolitical strategies and the impact of long-term warfare on both national and global scales.

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The story of NATO's disastrous occupation of Afghanistan, and how it repeated the mistakes of the Soviet occupation which preceded it

The story of NATO's disastrous occupation of Afghanistan, and how it repeated the mistakes of the Soviet occupation which preceded it

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The NATO occupation of Afghanistan is over, and a balance-sheet can be drawn. These essays on war and peace in the region reveal Tariq Ali at his sharpest and most prescient.

Rarely has there been such an enthusiastic display of international unity as that which greeted the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Compared to Iraq, Afghanistan became the β€˜good war’. But a stalemate ensued, and the Taliban waited out the NATO contingents. Today, as the Kabul regime falters and American bombing raids continue, what does the future hold for a traumatised Afghan people? Will China become the dominant influence in the country?

Tariq Ali has been following the wars on Afghanistan for forty years. He opposed Soviet military intervention in 1979, predicting disaster. He was also a fierce critic of its NATO sequel, β€˜Operation Enduring Freedom’. In a series of trenchant commentaries, he described the tragedies inflicted on Afghanistan, as well as the semi-Talibanisation and militarisation of neighbouring Pakistan. Most of his predictions proved accurate.

The Forty-Year War in Afghanistan brings together the best of his writings and includes a new introduction.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews highlight The Forty-Year War in Afghanistan by Tariq Ali as an erudite and indispensable work, praised for offering a profound anti-imperialist perspective on Afghanistan's tumultuous recent history. Critics note the book's commitment to understanding the causes and consequences of events, culminating in the chaotic scenes at Kabul's airport in August 2021. It's considered an invaluable resource for readers seeking insights into the long-standing conflict, marked by Ali's dogged attention and keen insight.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781839768170

Publisher: Verso Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 12 October 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Verso Books

Illustration: with flaps

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 234g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Tariq Ali has written more than two-dozen books on world history and politics β€” the most recent of which are The Clash of Fundamentalisms, The Obama Syndrome and The Extreme Centre β€” as well as the novels of his Islam Quintet and scripts for the stage and screen. He is a long-standing member of the editorial committee of New Left Review and lives in London.

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