Afghanistan 101: Understanding Afghan Culture [Paperback]

Ehsan M Entezar (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 4, 2008

Afghanistan 101 is an introduction to Afghan culture. More specifically, this dimensional analysis discusses Power Distance (PD), Uncertainty Avoidance (UA), Individualism (IND), and Masculinity (MAS) in the Afghan national culture. These dimensions are b

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

r. Entezar received his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, his MA from Columbia University Teachers College in New York City, and his BA from Kabul University. He has taught at Kabul University and the University of Imam Ibn Saud, Riyadh, Saudi A

Product Details

• Paperback: 170 pages
• Publisher: Xlibris (January 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1425792820
• ISBN-13: 978-1425792824
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #193,766 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Ehsan Entezar's Afghanistan 101, May 31, 2009

By 

Michael M. T. Henderson "mmth42" (Lawrence, KS 66049) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Afghanistan 101: Understanding Afghan Culture (Paperback)

My wife and I read this book with interest, since we had spent several years in Afghanistan in the 1960's. and because we (believe) we were in graduate school with the author.

While the book does provide some interesting information, it suffers from two deficits: (1) it badly needs to be edited by a native English speaker, preferably one who has editing experience AND has been to or at least knows something about Afghanistan. (2) Dr. Entezar, who was apparently not in the country when the Taliban were in charge, seems not to have done a lot of research when he returned for his short visit in this century. The Taliban had a profound effect on the country, and is still making itself felt in Pakistan and over the border. Gone are the days when we could fearlessly drive through the Khyber pass to Peshawar and stay at Dean's Hotel while visiting the Commissary at the USAF base to buy needed things unavailable in Kabul. Now, the only safe way through would be in an armored minesweeper.

We are hoping, without a great deal of optimism, that the coming elections are not only free, open, and fair, but also that President Karzai is reelected to keep his country on the road to peace.

I would recommend Afghanistan 101 only to people who knew Afghanistan well, or who had access to more up-to-date facts about the country.

Michael M. T. Henderson

Professor Emeritus of Linguistics

University of Kansas

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A key to understanding another culture, August 21, 2008

By 

Leicadave (Princeton, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Afghanistan 101: Understanding Afghan Culture (Paperback)

This should be read by all military personnel and anyone interested in understanding a very different culture on its own terms. It helps you understand the real differences of US and Afghan culture and how these differences can be understood and bridged.

An important book which benefits from Entezar's long exposure to both cultures as a resident and teacher.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for people being deployed, July 4, 2011

By 

Robert R. Cook "Bob Rocks" (Afghanistan for now) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Afghanistan 101 (Kindle Edition)

I purchased this book when I found out I was on my way to Afghanistan. I wanted to understand the culture and way people think before I got here. I was sent to Afghanistan on a mission to train the afghan military and police. This book is a must read for anybody in this type of position. It is almost as if this book was written specifically for my mission. I highly recommend this book for anybody interested in why people are the way they are and how to perceive the Afghan way.