This is a revised up-to-date edition of the only complete military history of Afghanistan containing the most recent information about Taliban resurgence. For over 2,500 years, the forbidding territory of Afghanistan has served as a vital crossroads for armies and has witnessed history-shaping clashes between civilizations - Greeks, Arabs, Mongols, and Tartars, and in more recent times, Britain, Russia, and America. Following the events of September 11, 2001, British and American troops entered this land - land that for centuries has become a graveyard of empires. By spring 2002, the Afghan Taliban regime had been defeated, and the terrorists it harboured were on the run. But the allies' easy victory then is in sharp contrast to the difficulties they face today as they confront the Taliban's resurgence. Is it possible that Afghans were merely eyeing the newcomers in 2001 as they had watched foreign armies in centuries past, knowing time is on their side?Afghanistan illuminates the broad historical context into which our forces have been drawn - a cautionary tale, perhaps, about the dangers that confront the West today. Completely up-to-date this new edition will contain new information about the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, and cover events since then, up to the present day. It is one of a kind: the only complete single-volume military history of Central Asia's most contested territory available in the market today. With the conflict that is now upon us, readers will want to understand Afghanistan's past confrontations with greater powers. In-depth military analysis of past confrontations in Afghanistan, with special emphasis on the Soviet experience, will provide valuable insights into the current conflict.
Afghanistan
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"clear and informative...f)ew will dispute Tanner's view that Western military strength alone cannot solve today's Afghan problems."
-- Soldier
-- Soldier
About the Author
Stephen Tanner is a military historian and freelance writer: His previous works include Epic Retreats: and Refuge from the Reich. He lives in Long Island, New York.
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24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By M. Frankel
Format:Paperback
I have just read this book whilst serving in Afghanistan and I must say it is an excellent read! It covers all the major historical events as advertised and gives an interesting account of the horrors faced by the British during their 1840 campaign. Although advertised as a history book, it is very easy to read, I could not put it down. Highly recommended!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By N. Parish
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Having lived in that general region for a number of years, this was likely to be a book that interested me. However, I couldn't bring myself to read it cover to cover. The older history simply didn't grab me. That said, the book itself is surely a pretty comprehensive account of the history (from a military perspective) of Afghanistan.
I suppose it would interest those with an interest in history, particularly military history. It would also be a very useful read for anyone going to Afghanistan (not just with the military!). It sheds light on the people as well as their history, and for this it should be commended.
This version has an updated chapter on 'Pashtunistan', which is also of great interest. The author concludes with a very interesting concept of encouraging a Swiss-style of governance in the country, drawing many parallels between the two nations.
Generally, a fascinating read for all those with any interest either in history or in that part of the world. Obviously some, like me, might choose to skip a couple of chapters, but I'd recommend it nevertheless.
I suppose it would interest those with an interest in history, particularly military history. It would also be a very useful read for anyone going to Afghanistan (not just with the military!). It sheds light on the people as well as their history, and for this it should be commended.
This version has an updated chapter on 'Pashtunistan', which is also of great interest. The author concludes with a very interesting concept of encouraging a Swiss-style of governance in the country, drawing many parallels between the two nations.
Generally, a fascinating read for all those with any interest either in history or in that part of the world. Obviously some, like me, might choose to skip a couple of chapters, but I'd recommend it nevertheless.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Afghanistan: A Military History from Alexander The Great to The Fall of The Taliban
23 Nov 2009
By The Gunner
Format:Paperback
Students of history both political and military would do well to read this book. Stephen Tanner has caught the essence of this wild country perfectly. This book should be compulsory reading for every military commander BEFORE he goes to Afghanistan. More importantly, the Government would do well to note what has happened to those who have tried to occupy this country and what the outcome was over the centuries.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I bought this book, prior my deployment to Afghanistan. I believe that everyone in the military deploying in this country should have a knowledge of its history (primarily) and the language and habits of the people.
In that (learning the history) the author makes a superb job, by giving a brief but thorough history of Afghanistan throughout the centuries.
Starting from the Persian Empire and the war of Alexander the Great, he shows how the native people of this country have fought or accepted any intruder. The book covers all the fighting till the Taliban era and in some cases you will find the reasons for the unstable character of the region in nowadays.
Informing, precise, humorous sometimes, I believe its a must read for anyone who wants to learn the history of this country.
In that (learning the history) the author makes a superb job, by giving a brief but thorough history of Afghanistan throughout the centuries.
Starting from the Persian Empire and the war of Alexander the Great, he shows how the native people of this country have fought or accepted any intruder. The book covers all the fighting till the Taliban era and in some cases you will find the reasons for the unstable character of the region in nowadays.
Informing, precise, humorous sometimes, I believe its a must read for anyone who wants to learn the history of this country.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Interesting to read about Afghan history and the loin of Panjshir. the book was in good condition, thanks for Amazon
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Steve
Format:Paperback
Bought this book to get a better understanding of afghanistan and it's complex history. The book's fairly well written and reads easily,Not to the standard of something like Anthony Beevors Stalingrad but still a very readable book.Loads of interesting information and well worth a read.
By JoeF
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Having no knowledge of Afghanistan but an interest in military history I found this to be an excellent primer. Fair enough there is little coverage of the culture, geography or tribal politics but this does exactly what it says on the tin giving a broad stroke military history covering a huge swathe of time.
One reviewer found it difficult to read but I think anyone who has read a couple of military books will find it a breeze although if "Lt T A Souter had wrapped the 44th's colours around his person" leaves you befuddled then best leave alone.
Another reviewer comments on the lack of detailed maps and this is a fair point but true for many other books. I do recommend an atlas or even google earth to get the best out of it but even without its still a fine read. I have never been to Afghanistan and can only observe it's history and battles from my arm chair but for anyone going I think it would make an interesting companion.
One reviewer found it difficult to read but I think anyone who has read a couple of military books will find it a breeze although if "Lt T A Souter had wrapped the 44th's colours around his person" leaves you befuddled then best leave alone.
Another reviewer comments on the lack of detailed maps and this is a fair point but true for many other books. I do recommend an atlas or even google earth to get the best out of it but even without its still a fine read. I have never been to Afghanistan and can only observe it's history and battles from my arm chair but for anyone going I think it would make an interesting companion.
By Naz
Format:Paperback
Great book covering thousands of years of military history in Afghanistan, as the title suggests there isn't much on the actual people or culture of Afghanistan but every major battle is covered in great detail. Would have been nice to have a timeline showing exactly who "reigned" over which periods but that's a minor gripe, I'd thoroughly recommend for anyone who wants to read up the subject matter.
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