Studying the Taliban as an academic researcher is exceedingly challenging. Inevitably one must rely on anecdotal information from shady sources and even when primary interviews are granted, it is hard to differentiate reality from propaganda on the part of the interviewees. With these limitations in mind Peter Bergen and Katherine Tiedeman have assembled a definitive anthology on this most elusive and yet virulent assemblage of Islamic fanaticism. Relying on a range of authors from local journalists in Pakistan's tribal belt to MIT doctoral students, the editors have combed through a very high level of detailed information. Where possible, survey data and NGO field information is triangulated to offer the most rigorous compilation to date on the topic. Unlike earlier books such as Ahmad Rashid's celebrated classic on The Taliban which focus on the historical rise of the movement, this volume goes into detailed descriptions of the factions, rifts and alliances of the Taliban that continue to shift.
Given the highly dynamic situation, some of the material is perhaps not quite up-to-date such as the chapter on the Swat Taliban. Contrary to the chapter author's assertions, development indicators of the valley and the reinvestment has improved considerably since the Taliban were evicted from the region. Also, the recent trial of Bin Laden's son-in-law Abu Ghaith (March 2013) revealed Al Qaeda's connections to Iran which are also not adequately covered in this volume (particularly with reference to the Sunni-Shia divide and the Jundallah movement within Iran's Baloch region). The peace process with the Taliban also could have been presented with some more clear parameters for negotiation such as the potential for a return to draconian laws on capital punishment and prohibition of education of women. Territorial aspects of a peace plan and options for varying degrees of federalism in regions under Taliban control could also have been discussed as part of the negotiation process.
Nevertheless, despite these minor deficiencies, this book is a monumental achievement and should be read with care by all international power-brokers in the region. It should also find its way into postgraduate political science readings in Afghan and Pakistani universities. The shifting sands of a "student movement" (Taliban means students in Arabic) that has subverted Islamic learning in a perfidious way needs to be understood by students in Muslim countries through such volumes which offer a dispassionate and objective analysis of the region's predicament.
ISBN-13:
978-0199893096
ISBN-10:
0199893098
Why is ISBN important?
ISBN
Scan an ISBN with your phone
Use the Amazon App to scan ISBNs and compare prices.
This bar-code number lets you verify that you're getting exactly the right version or edition of a book. The 13-digit and 10-digit formats both work.
Use the Amazon App to scan ISBNs and compare prices.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
-
Apple
-
Android
-
Windows Phone
-
Android
To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2014
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2016
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2015
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2013
Verified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Only for he diehards!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2013Verified Purchase
