Afghanistan: A Military History from Alexander the Great to the War against the Taliban

I wanted to study up on the region while I was assigned there, and I read many books from Amazon.com. Many had bits and pieces of the history, but this book had a grand view from early times of Alexander the Great, the Muslim invasions, the Mongol conquest to later times during the Soviet invasion and the later rise of the Taliban. This book is essential and provides a basic understanding of many of the key players, which I was largely unable to find elsewhere. If I were given one choice of a book to read to understand Afghanistan for a Westerner before visiting there, this book would be it, especially for the price. Other books may provide some more detailed analysis of a smaller scale (Great Game, British Wars, Soviet War, etc.) but a whole history is most informative.

This book is a must read for those who are interested in Afghanistan's war torn history or for those who find themselves deploying to Afghanistan as a civilian or member of the armed forces. The book is well-written, well-researched, and very detailed giving outstanding insight into the culture of the people as well as the mistakes that those who have tried to conquer Afghanistan made. The book does not just inform the reader on Afghanistan but ties in other areas, both ancient and present, that have affected Afghanistan. The only drawback to this book is that it is very easy to get lost in the names of the key players and the names of the ancient areas, especially if you are not familiar with these areas before picking up the book. I think it helps to have an ancient map next to you so that you can follow where Alexander and the Mongols were maneuvering. There are maps in the book but it is difficult to have to keep going back and forth from the map to the page you are currently reading (especially on a Kindle). Finally, the author ends the book with a piece of advice about his opinion on what needs to be done in order to restore peace to Afghanistan. This book was worth picking up and I enjoyed reading it.

This is very thorough historical account of the military events involving Afghanistan leading up to the Taliban. It provide excellent context as to why so many wars in Afghanistan have failed to result in lasting change. The main point of the book is that wars in this country are not about politics or economics, but about a culture. The people of Afghanistan are very resistant to people coming outside of their country, and trying to engage cultural change. In addition, the fact that Afghanistan lacks a lot of the infrastructure of other countries (for example, defined roads and mountainous terrain) makes military actions difficult.

The problem with military histories, as with action films, is that they tend to be tedious--endless accounts of blunders, bloodshed and futile justifications for the worst impulses of human history. This book sends one clear message though-"Don't mess with the Afghans--it's like trying to kiss a rattlesnake." The baddest conquerers in ancient history from Alexander the Great to Ghengis Khan all crashed on the rocky island of Afghanistan. For me the book was personally meaningful in that one of the many actors on this crowded stage was Sir William McNaughton--my Grandfather nine generations past. He was like Hunter Thompson hanging with the Hells Angels--well-meaning, clueless and tragi-comic. Unable to comprehend the brutish intrigues of the Afghans, who understandably hated their invaders, McNaughton, the British, the Russians and now, the USA, became fatally enmeshed in wars they had no business fighting. Low-rent or not, the Afghans, like the Swiss, want to be left alone. We are and should be leaving soon--let's invest our capital there and enjoy the new ski lodges that are sure to pop up.[After a stop at the tourist beaches of Vietnam on the way!] A good read--lean and mean, like the Afghans!

This book was very well researched and written. Even if you have very little knowledge of Afghanistan, you can understand and easily read this book. It is full of interesting history, along with it's excellent explanation of the military information that is the center if it's purpose. Not being a military history buff, I was pleased to see that some of this country's history, it's native peoples, and some their customs were also covered. It is good reading. You must be interested in Afghanistan and it's history to read this book, and if you are this book is a winner for you. The only drawback is that you can get lost in all of the names, battles and locations happening at once, especially during the Alexander period. If you have the patience to reread some passages over again, you'll be fine. Lots of good information.

No one can hope to understand the conflict in the Middle East, specifically Afghanistan without first reading this astounding historical tome by Stephen Tanner. The first thing I have to say is the rare combination of historian and writer makes this work easy to read and very difficult to put down. Stephen Tanner takes us right back to Alexander The Great, Genghis Khan then through to modern America and it's continuous bungling of the Middle East conflict. If only President Bush had read the history of the Middle East before pursuing blindly the rhetoric in his mind, we probably wouldn't be in such a mess today. And yet, the author stays quite unbiased in his storytelling, except when necessary. This book should be in every high school in America definitely, and possibly in all schools around the globe. This is the book I've been wanting to read since September 11.

Great product

A clear delineation of the events that have shaped this south Asian country. A good analysis of what has gone wrong in US attempt to stabilize that region.

アフガニスタンは何故戦い続けるのか、平和は訪れないのか、その原因は何なのか、という問題意識から本書を選びました。アレキサンダー大王の遠征、マザリシャリフでの結婚、そして現在にいたり目の青いアフガン人がいること、ジンギスカンによる侵略とその軍隊の「千人」の末裔がハザラ人として現在も残っていること、そして現代にいたってタリバンがどのようにして形成されてきたか、などがエピソードを加えながら物語風に書かれており、途中であきらめずに読み切りました。複雑な地勢と民族、そして隣国や大国の野望と侵略の歴史が今のアフガニスタンの現状につながっていることが理解できました。もし英国やソ連が侵略をしていなかったら、もし英国による国境線の引き方が違っていたら、もしパキスタンがタリバンを支援していなかったら、歴史は大きく変わっていたかも知れません。犠牲者も少なくてすんだかもしれません。そのような新たな問題意識が掻き立てられました。

Having lived in that general region for a number of years, this was likely to be a book that interested me. However, I couldn't bring myself to read it cover to cover. The older history simply didn't grab me. That said, the book itself is surely a pretty comprehensive account of the history (from a military perspective) of Afghanistan. I suppose it would interest those with an interest in history, particularly military history. It would also be a very useful read for anyone going to Afghanistan (not just with the military!). It sheds light on the people as well as their history, and for this it should be commended. This version has an updated chapter on 'Pashtunistan', which is also of great interest. The author concludes with a very interesting concept of encouraging a Swiss-style of governance in the country, drawing many parallels between the two nations. Generally, a fascinating read for all those with any interest either in history or in that part of the world. Obviously some, like me, might choose to skip a couple of chapters, but I'd recommend it nevertheless.

Great read. could not put it down.

Having no knowledge of Afghanistan but an interest in military history I found this to be an excellent primer. Fair enough there is little coverage of the culture, geography or tribal politics but this does exactly what it says on the tin giving a broad stroke military history covering a huge swathe of time. One reviewer found it difficult to read but I think anyone who has read a couple of military books will find it a breeze although if "Lt T A Souter had wrapped the 44th's colours around his person" leaves you befuddled then best leave alone. Another reviewer comments on the lack of detailed maps and this is a fair point but true for many other books. I do recommend an atlas or even google earth to get the best out of it but even without its still a fine read. I have never been to Afghanistan and can only observe it's history and battles from my arm chair but for anyone going I think it would make an interesting companion.

A thrilling, informative, gobsmacking read. Centuries of futile barbaric wars fought in the name of gods, egocentrics and silly sods. Read it and weep. "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results”.