Afghan society is analyzed from a fresh standpoint in this book which discusses the country's two and a half centuries of socio-political disquiet and outside interference. The author explores the continuous struggle between the central government and the cornerstone of the present state, the tribes. In its examination of the interchange between the centre and the periphery, the book presents a compelling review of Afghan history, the role of Islam and the contemporary theories of state, Islam, nationalism, ethnicity, and tribalism.

In addition, Misdaq considers Afghanistan's dynamism and long established custom of dealing with foreign invaders. Covering the Soviet occupation, ethnic conflicts and the US invasion, the book examines Afghan resilience and the capacity to raise an army of fighting men. Written by a well-respected authority on the region, the book highlights past mistakes which should not be repeated and recommends the way forward for this troubled nation.

Reviews

"Every so often a book comes along that makes a significant contribution to the corpus of available Afghanistan literature. This is such a book...Exhaustively researched with copius end-notes, Dr. Misdaq's book will educate, enlighten and enthrall the reader, be they student, historian or policy maker yet who also harbor a desire to understand the complexity and mosaic of a nation poised at the gates of the fiercely competitive, energy-rich Central Asian and Caspian deposits...This and much, much more can be found in this remarkable and compelling historical work by Dr. Misdaq. I can therefore recommend without reservation "Afghanistan, Political Fraility and External Interference." Bruce G. Richardson, Author, May 2007

"This is a thoroughly researched and compassionately argued work. I will recommend this book as a must for all those who have an interest in the geo-politics of Afghanistan" - Dr Farouq Azam, former Afghan Minister of Education, 2006

Book Information
ISBN 9780415470247
Author Nabi Misdaq
Format Paperback
Page Count 380
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 700g