Customer Reviews

Afghanistan 101: Understanding Afghan Culture

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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

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.

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.

Entezar's book is a delightful introduction, with many contemporary examples, to Afghan culture and its implications for those working with Afghans, or offering programs for Afghans. His experience teaching Afghan language and culture to Peace Corps Volunteers, diplomats, and soldiers makes this book a fascinating read with illustrations that come alive to the reader.

It should be read by every policy maker, aid worker and soldier who is preparing to travel and live in Afghanistan. One cannot understand, assist, and positively influence Afghans without understanding their culture.

A native of Afghanistan, Dr. Entezar returned to his native country and continued his research over the past 30 years.

Highly recommended.

Afghanistan 101 is definately a must-read for anyone interested in not only the culture but the dialect that engrosses this amazing country. The author was both knowledgable and entertaining in this intro to the dari language and customs. I highly recommend this book for anyone even intrigued by this country..students,teachers,travelers..etc.

This is one of those books that makes a lot of sense and gives you a great perspective in understanding afghan culture. The chapters are short and to the point. What makes it different from other texts is the fact that it basically compares west to Afghan culture. It does not put one or the other down, but the author simply points out the differences and at times, similarities. Though this book is geared towards educating Westerners, I recommend this book to Afghans as well.

The author advised the US when it began its escapade in Afghanistan after 9/11. A curious mix and raises questions about how it contributed to the current situation.