Synopses & Reviews
In this book, Olivier Roy examines the history, ideology and structures of the Afghan resistance. He argues that the forces opposing Marxist rule of the country, though advocating a return to the basic tenets of Islam, are far from reactionary or backward-looking. Indeed he sees an Islamic revolution, advocating a modernisation of Afghan society, taking place under the eyes of the Russian occupation forces, whose efforts to contain it have so far served mainly to consolidate it. This penetrating study charts the history of resistance to the present Afghan central government and its Russian ally. The first five chapters deal with the political, social and religious history of Afghanistan UP to 1978 and later chapters are concerned with the organisation of resistance, the parties involved and the differences between various groups, as well as their relations with Pakistan.
Review
"Roy, a French anthropologist who has made annual trips to Afghanistan since the 1980 Soviet invasion, blends the knowledge of the specialist with the timely information of the traveler to produce a brilliant and very important study of the Mujahidin." Orbis"Olivier Roy...mixes the knowledge of the specialist with the timely information of the traveler, and the combination is extremely impressive. Islam and Resistance in Afghanistan...explains the context of the mujahidin and the factors that will decide their fate." Daniel Pipes, The Wall Street Journal"This is a welcome English translation of the book published in 1985 by the foremost French 'Afghanologist' Olivier Roy. It provides a penetrating and very detailed analysis of the Afghan struggle...The English version is clear and reads well..." Asian Affairs
Synopsis
In this newly updated edition, Olivier Roy expands his penetrating study of the history, ideology and structures of the Afghan resistance movement to mid-1989. He examines the evolution of the military and political situation inside Afghanistan during the last years of the Soviet presence and discusses relations between the Afghan resistance and the Islamic fundamentalist movements. The situation created by the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan is also explored and in a new conclusion Professor Roy assesses to what extent the war has altered the traditional fabric of Afghan society.
Synopsis
This history of the Afghan resistance movement has been expanded and updated to mid 1989 to include its evolution over the last years of Soviet occupation as well as its relations with Islamic fundamentalist movements.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 260-266) and index.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements; Maps; Introduction; 1. State and society in Afghanistan; 2. Islam in Afghanistan; 3. The origins of Afghan fundamentalism and popular movements up to 1947; 4. The Islamist movement up to 1978; 5. The communist reforms and the repression, 1978-9; 6. The uprisings, 1978-9; 7. The establishments of political parties; 8. The development of the parties between 1980 and 1984; 9. The role of the Shi'a in the resistance; 10. Society and the war; 11. From freedom fighter to guerilla; 12. Military operations; 13. The conflict from 1986 to the Soviet withdrawal; 14. Cultural patterns and changes in society: an assessment; 15. Afghan politics and the outside world; Appendices; Chronological table; Notes; Bibliography; Index.