Taliban [Paperback]

Ahmed Rashid (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 26, 2001

The definitive account of the history of the Taliban and its uncertain future. This is the book that Tony Blair and Alistair Campbell consulted to gain a better impression of the unique circumstances of the Taliban. An exploration of the overwhelming complexity of Afghan politics, The Taliban: The Story behind the Afghan Warlords explains how it came in to being, how it is sustained and how Osama bin Laden has risen to such a figure of absolute power. Ahmed Rashid clarifies the often confusing racial and religious tensions that dominate this fractious land. And describes why the drug trade has exacerbated an already untenable situation. Rashid argues that Taliban is incapable of reform, and that, in the current crisis, it may implode due to defections. With the Northern Alliance an unpredictable alternative, Rashid concludes that without a multi-tribal government in which bordering states do not seek predominant influence, there will never be peace. 'Read this remarkable book and the bewildering complexity of Afghan politics and the deadly over-spill of chaos, narcotics and sectarian violence into the surrounding region will become clear.' Patrick Seale, Sunday Times 'Ahmed Rashid's book describes the stuff that Bond [films] are made of. Warring tribes, clashing empires, fanatics with dreams of world domination, violence and sex . If anyone understands the place Rashid does.' Jason Burke, Observer

Editorial Reviews

Review

'[An] excellent study which... has now sold more than 750,000 copies in [22] languages.' - Financial Times 'It took our political classes an unconscionable time to wake up to the importance of Ahmed Rashid's definitive study of the Taliban. The book has been a phenomenal success.' - The Independent 'Read this remarkable book and the bewildering complexity of Afghan politics and the deadly over-spill of chaos, narcotics and sectarian violence into the surrounding region will become clear.' - Sunday Times 'a chilling and masterly study of the Taliban.' - Times Literary Supplement 'Rashid has a feel for the characters in this imbroglio, who are as outlandish as any from the old Great Game.' - Sunday Telegraph 'Ahmed Rashid's book describes the stuff that Bond [films] are made of. Warring tribes, clashing empires, fanatics with dreams of world domination, violence and sex... If anyone understands the place Rashid does.' - The Observer 'the book they are all reading.' - The Guardian --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Ahmed Rashid is a correspondent for the Daily Telegraph reporting on Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia. He also broadcasts regularly with the BBC, CNN and other international news organisations. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan (October 26, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0330492217
• ISBN-13: 978-0330492218
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.7 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,116,630 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Taliban, November 27, 2007

By 

Samuel E. Wonacott - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Taliban (Paperback)

Mr. Rashid is extremely knowledgeable, and that is reflected in his book which traces the roots, support and the Islamic philosophy of the Taliban movement in Afghanistan. In fact, there is an overwhelming amount of information in this book. My problem stems from the confusing amount of leaders and movements that make up this book. It's slow reading.

It is, however, a must for the student who yearns to learn about the complex intricacies of Islam and oil, and the influence of the American, Pakistani, Iranian, Russian and the Caspian sea countries on the development of Afghanistan under the Taliban prior to 911.