Synopses & Reviews
A fascinating chronicle of a nation's turbulent history.
Reaching back to earliest times, Martin Ewans examines the historical evolution of one of today's most dangerous breeding grounds of global terrorism. After a succession of early dynasties and the emergence of an Afghan empire during the eighteenth century, the nineteenth and early twentieth century saw a fierce power struggle between Russia and Britain for supremacy in Afghanistan that was ended by the nation's proclamation of independence in 1919. A communist coup in the late 1970s overthrew the established regime and led to the invasion of Soviet troops in 1979. Roughly a decade later, the Soviet Union withdrew, condemning Afghanistan to a civil war that tore apart the nation's last remnants of religious, ethnic, and political unity. It was into this climate that the Taliban was born.
Today, war-torn and economically destitute, Afghanistan faces unique challenges as it looks toward an uncertain future. Martin Ewans carefully weighs the lessons of history to provide a frank look at Afghanistan's prospects and the international resonances of the nation's immense task of total political and economic reconstruction.
Synopsis
A fascinating chronicle of a nation's turbulent history.
Synopsis
Afghanistan is a remarkable country -- landlocked and mostly barren, but also home to some of the world's highest mountains and a population in which more than fifty ethnic groups are represented. The once powerful empire has been battered by foreign invasions and internal strife; as a result, its traditions and political stability have over the years slowly been reduced to ruins.
Martin Ewans takes a comprehensive look at Afghanistan's storied past and uncertain future in this accessible history. Going back to the seventh century CE, Ewans highlights its powerful dynasties and fierce tribal rivalries, the Anglo-Afghan Wars, independence from colonialism, Russian occupation and today's dominance of the Taliban. This fascinating chronicle of Afghanistan's turbulent history gives readers a thorough understanding of this small country that has had such an enormous impact on world events.
Before becoming Head of Chancery in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sir Martin Ewans, a member of the British Diplomatic Service, was posted in Pakistan, Canada and Nigeria. He has since served in Tanzania and India and worked as High Commissioner in Zimbabwe and Nigeria. He holds a degree from Cambridge University.
"An intelligent and useful book." -- Washington Post
Synopsis
A fascinating chronicle of a nation's turbulent history and a must read for anyone interested in the historical evolution of one of today's most dangerous breeding grounds of global terrorism. Starting in seventh century AD, Martin Ewans shows Afghanistan's early days – of powerful dynasties, fierce tribal rivalries and stunning architectural feats. In Ewans߬ucid and dispassionate prose, a once powerful empire is revealed, whose traditions and political stability have over the years slowly been reduced to ruins.
Martin Ewans carefully and concisely weighs the lessons of history to provide a frank appraisal of Afghanistan's fragile relationship with its neighbouring countries.
Synopsis
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About the Author
Sir Martin Ewans, a former officer of the British Diplomatic Service, served in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, as well as in diplomatic missions in Africa and North America. He holds a degree from Cambridge University and is currently chairman of the international charity Children's Aid Direct.