Afghanistan: Land of Conflict and Beauty

by John C. Griffiths

Set against Afghanistan’s deep-rooted religious, ethnic, and social divisions, this comprehensive history examines a nation that for centuries has been in constant conflict. Beginning with early Persian, Greek, and Mongol invasions and continuing through the Russian incursion, it maps the history and development of Afghanistan through its wars and their effects. The recent bitter civil war is also addressed as is the role of the Taliban—who controlled most of the country under a fanatical and reclusive leader—including their stance on minority groups, the importance of Islam, the place of women in society, and their support for Osama bin Laden. Fully updated with the most recent geopolitical and military events involving the country, this is a compelling history of a nation caught between the headlines and its own past.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Assumed knowledge which made it tricky to follow in places - would have liked a 'who's who' guide in Government/key political players to refer back to as I read the text.

[Constance Fastré · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting, and to my sense rather objective, account of the history and cultural aspects that have shaped the country of Afghanistan. As the author stated, everyone has heard of Afghanistan and the Talibans but who knows really what has led to the present situation? I have learned a lot from this book and appreciated the way all as aspects were treated although the author sometimes assumed prior knowledge I did not have, making some parts harder to follow. It is nonetheless a comprehensive and clear summary, especially when considering the complexity of the story to be told! Definitely a good basis for those interested in better understanding the problems of Afghanistan today.

[Mrs Reddy Katzy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I often dont like the way people write & because im not a stong reader i didnt get on with this book, tried really hard but i like a book to make me 'fly' and instead i was bored

[Joe Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griffiths gives a pretty comprehensive account of Afghan history. He has really quite a unique style of transferring so much history in an effortless way. Great way to actually understand the 'graveyard of empires' and the reasons why Afghanistan is such a troubled nation.