Customer Reviews

Revolution Unending: Afghanistan, 1979 to the Present (The CERI Series in Comparative Politics and International Studies)

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

 

 

In the constant quest to understand the problem and the overall complexity of the environment in Afghanistan; this is a must read.

I found this to be a very readable account of the Afghan crisis - quite academic, but commendably objective.
Those seeking a basic grasp of the situation (myself included) may be put off by the level of detail - but the narrative is enthralling enough and the content is riveting.
Since reading this I have encountered many other books on the same subject, but none really fill the boots.

Tried to get a handle on some Afghanistan history but this read was just too technical and detailed for me as an armchair historian seeking a general introduction to Afghanistan.

I am completeley blown away by Dr. Dorronsoro's sensitive and well documented assessment of the Afghanistan situation. Having been deeply involved for many years his is a refreshing, nuanced and compelling view of the unfortunately unending war. I am grateful for his contribution to a very necessary ever critical and urgent discussion of the war. Anne Adams

No "1979 to the Present" work on Afghanistan can be taken seriously that fails to recognize and articulate Ahmad Shah Massoud's collaboration with the Soviet 40th Army, yet this is precisely what "Revolution Unending" has done. According to General Boris Gromov and General Alexsandr Liakhovskii in their respective memoirs, Massoud signed a series of agreements beginning April 1980 that spanned the entire decade of war. Gromov wrote: "Massoud could have turned the Salang into a Russian graveyard by just throwing rocks."

The agreements protected Soviet lines of supply and facilitated re-deployment of troops to fight in other areas of the country. The historical implications of these agreements cannot be ignored or understated. Yet the author has devoted not a single word to these significant events.

As many have gone before, the author seems caught up in a media-induced celebrity of Massoud, a celebrity unsupported by the facts. The bio gushing rendered unto Massoud, compounded by historically significant omissions, suggest a level of unacceptable bias.

Bruce G. Richardson
Author: "Afghanistan, Ending the Reign of Soviet Terror."