A Brief History of Afghanistan

by Shaista Wahab, Barry Youngerman

Afghanistan has long been considered a remote and uninviting country to all but its closest neighbors. This lightly populated agricultural and pastoral nation has guarded its independence in the age of European imperialism thanks in large part to its limited perceived value. Political isolation reinforced by a conservative tribal culture kept most of the cultural and economic changes of the modern world at bay. Slowly, however, modern ways and values began to penetrate into the capital city of Kabul. A Brief History of Afghanistan, Second Edition examines this country's isolation and how it found itself involved in 30 years of war and anarchy. This updated resource provides extensive background information so readers can understand the issues and make informed judgments of their own.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

354 pages, Hardcover

First published March 16, 2007

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book certainly corrected some misconceptions I had about the country. I wanted to find out what made the Afghan people so fiercely independent and militantly medieval — or so I thought.

I had believed that, due to Afghanistan’s formidable landscape, it was difficult for outsiders to influence or interfere in its affairs. Inroads had been made by Muslim Arabs, Mongols, Persians, Pashtuns, Russians, British and Americans. I had forgotten that it was a Buddhist Empire for about 300 years until 250 BCE. Many cultures have left their mark on the country and is reflected in its population.

I had thought Afghanistan had always been a collection of unruly tribal territories. In its history it has gone through almost every type of governance — empires, dynasties, constitutional monarchies, republics, democracies and rule by despots and warlords.

At one point Afghanistan had the highest literacy rate of any of the Central Asian “Stans.” I was surprised to learn that women were given the right to vote in 1920 and the constitution granted them equal rights in 2004. In various more liberal times they were freed from the burqa.

So, Afghanistan hasn’t always been a regressively patriarchal nation run by religious fundamentalists.

[Alex Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Learned a lot about Afghanistan. Pretty evenly paced read, easy to read, had no idea Afghanistan had so many wars with England and Russia. The book ends around 2007 and things seem to be on the up-swing so I feel like I need to read another book to better understand the 13 years between then and now.

[Ralph Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has excellent basic information on Afghanistan history, sociology and geography. I read it because I needed information from several sources for writing some scenes in my novel. There is no engaging narrative but, for research or general information purposes, it is a valuable resource.

[Adam C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't really have anything to compare it to, and I have not investigated any political bias of the author, but this book seemed to provide a great, if brief!, overview of the past several hundred years of Afghanistan's history, with a larger focus on the past 50 or so years.

[Seela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book! Historically accurate and enlightening.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading this book. It took me a long time (3 months +). It is not light reading. I am glad I read it. The subject is huge and it was covered well. I feel I have a greater understanding of the area and the people that live there. It was sad to read the average lifespan is only 44 years. A very hard country to call home.

[Swilaistan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of the very best books on Afghanistan. In just a few pages, the vast and complex history and politics of the country has been summarized. I recommend this book to anyone interested in reading about Afghanistan.

[Peg - The History Shelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent overview of the country's history, from ancient to modern times. It's a slim volume that doesn't go into much depth, but it's a good start for those who aren't familiar with the nation or its culture.

[Karen]

it is a wonderful book about the complex history of Afghanistan..a real treasure. I renewed it twice at the library..it is so complex and has a lot of history of the entire region, but it is well presented and I will be changed forever from reading about this fascinating country.

[Kathleen]

This book was a brief overview of the cultural and ethnic intricacies of the Afghan people, and the political and military machinations that have constructed the beleagured people that exist today.

[Lauren Adams]

good intro.

[Lonni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readable though a bit confusing. Shows why we can't win in Afghanistan! Given to Joel Nassett

[Carol Layton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit dated but a nice account of what has happened in this country over the centuries.