If you are like me - reasonably well informed on world events - the Afghan War is pretty much a blur, probably because there was no consistent coverage of events in the US media; things seemed to go from a near instant defeat of the Taliban in the opening days of the conflict to "the surge" about a decade later. What happened in the interim, and why? Fairweather provides the answers in an eminently readable yet detailed account. Attempting to summarize this whole fiasco would be tedious coming from me (but not Fairweather) but pretty much boils down to Western civilian and military leadership elements sitting in D.C., London and other spots determining "how things should work" in Afghanistan lacking any understanding of how things actually work there, and have for centuries. However, this book in not judgmental, serious mistakes were made not in bad faith, but in error, and what those errors were are clearly illuminated in the book. There are a host of very interesting personalities presented, some generally known political, military and diplomatic individuals, but also a lot of "unknowns" who were active in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, it was the latter group who best understood the dynamics of Afghan society, its complex tribal interrelationships, and how best to carry out reconstruction activities, unfortunate as their advice was generally ignored and instead a tidal wave of money (and troops) was thrown at the country to "get the job done faster," an approach that only led to egregious fraud and failed projects: Fairweather quotes one source that estimates of the $100 billion of aid pushed in Afghanistan's direction only about $15 billion actually impacted infrastructure projects, the rest simply "disappeared." Of the main players in the story, the one person I came to view more favorably was Karzai; while not a totally sympathetic person and not without his faults, he usually tried to do the right thing but was often undercut or simply double crossed by the USA and the Brits. (Holbrooke for one, who definitely dropped in my estimation!) All in all a great book with foreign policy implications beyond the specifics of this conflict. One hopes a few folks in D.C. might read it. (I can't seem to scroll back this text so I can't edit it - please excuse typos etc.)
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
- How to Lose a War: The Story of America’s Intervention in AfghanistanHardcoverFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Jan 7
- The Good War: NATO and the Liberal Conscience in AfghanistanM. WilliamsPaperbackFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Jan 6
- Planning to Fail: The US Wars in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan (Bridging the Gap)HardcoverFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Jan 7Only 6 left in stock (more on the way).
- The Day After: Why America Wins the War but Loses the PeaceBrendan R. GallagherHardcoverFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Jan 7Only 8 left in stock (more on the way).
- Unwinnable Wars: Afghanistan and the Future of American Armed StatebuildingPaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Jan 6Only 12 left in stock (more on the way).
- Iraq: The Moral ReckoningPaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Jan 6
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2015
- Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2015
- Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2014
- Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2014
- Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2018
- Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2015
Top reviews from other countries
- Bardos RobertReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 13, 2019
Comprehensive view about the military blunders in Afghanistan
- TVR-AndyReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 25, 2015
Thoroughly good factual book
- Thomas WalshReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 20, 2015
comprehensive names names apportions blame highlights the monstrous vanity of the politicians and the generals resulting in nume
- Darrell HardingReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 27, 2016
Excellent Analysis of Western Intervention
