by Ahmed Rashid (2000/2010)
Rashid has had unique access to Taliban leaders over the course of years of investigative reporting in Afghanistan. Rashid’s book book became the critical resource for policymakers, soldiers, reporters, and everyone who needed to understand the nature, history, origins, and leaders of the Taliban. In the recently updated version, Rashid’s new chapter covering the events of the past decade presents with incredible clarity a big-picture view of today’s Taliban, explaining in astonishing detail how and why it has gained strength and spread throughout the region. Drawing on his extensive and deep knowledge of politics, military affairs, economic issues, extremist groups, and individual leaders throughout Pakistan, Afghanistan, and all of Central Asia, Rashid shows how policy decisions have shaped realities on the ground, profoundly affecting the lives of civilians as well as the course of the war. He explains many missteps, unintended consequences, and lost opportunities of the last ten years in Afghanistan, and he identifies steps both US and local Muslim leaders must take in order to stem the growth of Islamic extremism and improve chances for stability in the region.
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