****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
The truth about the matter is that there are few English books about the general history of Afghanistan. This book happily tries to fill that gap. The author, Shaista Wahab, is a Afghan American scholar that specializes in Afghan culture and history. The publisher, Infobase, specializes in reference and encyclopedic works meant for both academic and lay readers. As already mentioned, the book gives a concise overview of Afghanistan's history from ancient times to the present day. The book also contains maps, charts, photos, nation facts, a short chronology, and a extensive bibligraphy. Given that this book is very readable and is one of the few works about this amazing nation, it will sure be the go to book for scholars and interested lay readers alike.Afghanistan is often viewed through the lens of "the war on terror."But area specialists, however, see Afghanistan as the gateway to the energy-rich Central Asian and Caspian fossil-fuel deposists. Endemic violence and dwindling supply from traditional sources serves as a midwife among world powers to control sources now thought to surpass the Middle East. Afghanistan is key to their strategies.While the war on terror is the official justification proffered for resultant and permanent military bases, in reality, competition between Iran, Russia, China, and the United States for untapped reserves along with pipeline access is the unstated, motive force.Shaista Wahab's "A Brief History of Afghanistan" is a remarkable view of what makes Afghanistan tick. A thorough analysis of religion, the people, the land, and the political dynamism that is the mosaic of Afghanistan.In view of superpower activities in this remote and austere land, those with a serious interest in the fabric of the country along with its tumultous history will find this historical work educational as well as compelling.Richly illustrated, and invaluable as a research tool, this book is a must for serious students of Afghanistan.Bruce G. RichardsonAuthor: "Afghanistan, Ending the Reign of Soviet Terror."I, as native Afghan knowing my history and writing about it in Dari, I found this book to be excellent. It is a great asset for the youngAfghans who are not able to read our voluminous resources in Dari or English. It is precise. it is short, it is nicely written with really nice photos. I congratulate the Authors. I have already recommended this book to our young Afghans borne in USA. On September during my talk on the "History of Medicine in Afghanistan", at Afghan Medical Professional Association annual meeting in Virginia, I am planning to talk briefly about this super book .Ghulam M Dastgeer MD, FRCS (retired)"A Brief History of Afghanistan is a wonderful, scholarly work by Professor Shaista Wahab, curator of the extensive "Arthur Paul Afghanistan Collection" at the Center for Afghanistan Studies, University of Nebraska, Omaha', a massive, unrivaled collection of rare and contemporary Afghanistan literature. Her work, based on many, many hours of research and as a former resident of Afghanistan is clear, articulate, factual, cogent and eminently accessible from a highly qualified author and historian. For students and for those versed in Afghanistan's colorful and often-times tumultuous history, this is a must acquisition. I recommend this historic tome without reservation.this is the best of four books that I have readThis has tons of info on Afghanistan. Jammed with good varying information.
