Sir Martin Ewans, former Head of the British Chancery in Kabul, puts into an historical and contemporary context the series of tragic events that have impinged on Afghanistan in the past fifty years. The book examines the roots of these developments in Afghanistan's earlier history and external relationships, as well as their contemporary relevance, internally, regionally, and globally. The book also reviews in details the emergence of the Taliban, their ideology and their place within Islam, and examines Afghanistan's relevance in global issues, notably the nature of Islamic extremism, the international drugs trade and international terrorism. It ends with an analysis of the country post-Taliban.

About the Author
Sir Martin Ewans was educated at St. Paul's School, London and Cambridge University. Joining the British Diplomatic Service, he was posted in Pakistan, Canada and Nigeria before becoming the Head of Chancery in Afghanistan. He later served in Tanzania and India, before becoming High Commissioner in Zimbabwe and Nigeria. He is currently Chairman of the international charity Children's Aid Direct.

Reviews

'Recommended to the general reader as a clear, thoughtful and well-written account of the history of the modern Afghan state.' - Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society

'The book written by Martin Ewans, former Head of the British Chancery in Kabul, will provide interesting information and insights for academics, researchers, students and general readers interested in history, politics and society of Afghanistan and Central Asia'. - Patricia Ordonez de Pablos, The University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain, International Journal of Asian Business and Information Management

Book Information
ISBN 9780415868358
Author Sir Martin Ewans
Format Paperback
Page Count 280
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 408g