Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
127th out of 131 books
—
119 voters
Afghanistan
Following the events of September 11, 2001, the world was riveted as American military power contested the legendary warrior culture of Afghanistan. By spring 2002, America began to draw down its forces, its mission accomplished: The Afghan Taliban regime has been overthrown and the terrorists it harbored were on the run. Was America's easy victory proof of its military su...more
Paperback, 368 pages
Published
July 10th 2003
by Da Capo Press
(first published July 3rd 2002)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
662)
This is a very comprehensive history of the region between Iran and India from ancient times up to the invasion by the U.S. in 2002.
Historically the area has been invaded and partially conquered many times, beginning with Alexander the Great.
The lesson of history has been that Afghanistan is very easy to enter because they have never had an effective central national or regional government that would immediately repel attempted attacks.
And the next lesson is that Afghanistan is very difficult t...more
Historically the area has been invaded and partially conquered many times, beginning with Alexander the Great.
The lesson of history has been that Afghanistan is very easy to enter because they have never had an effective central national or regional government that would immediately repel attempted attacks.
And the next lesson is that Afghanistan is very difficult t...more
1 like · like · see review
view all 3 comments
Not sure who came up with the title of this book, because if it was intended to describe the content of the book, then it should say 'tidbits of military history'. The author covers three periods in any detail: Alexanders conquest and subsequent Successor period, late 18th century, i.e. when British Empire played a high stakes game with Russia and finally the post-World War 2 period, with focus on Soviet invasion and developments after Soviet withdrawal. Naturally the last part covers the post-9...more
An underpinning here is that geography is destiny. As a crossroads - more accurately, a barely passable conduit ... or, as England hoped to have it, a barrier - between Empires, Afghanistan has been invaded by virtually every grand culture with the exceptions of China and Rome. Packed with interesting observations. For example, the Mongols, with no understanding of the value of settlements or agriculture, completely destroyed Afghanistan's population centers that weren't protected by the rugged...more
I thought the book was very good overall. The sections which talked about Alexander and the British were exciting reading, but I felt that the parts about the US in Afghanistan were rushed and over-simplified.
For a really good, in-depth analysis of Operation Anaconda and the events in the Shah-i-Kot valley, read "Not a Good Day to Die" by Sean Naylor. It covers in detail the background behind why the US did things the way it did and details the confusion of US reliance on airborne troops and lig...more
For a really good, in-depth analysis of Operation Anaconda and the events in the Shah-i-Kot valley, read "Not a Good Day to Die" by Sean Naylor. It covers in detail the background behind why the US did things the way it did and details the confusion of US reliance on airborne troops and lig...more
Interesting.
Tanner is clearly interested in some periods more than others. Up until discussing US involvement in the region, the book felt rushed and became filled with dozens of anti-war arguments I had already heard before, filled with quotes like some British officer saying "We've been grotesquely clumsy -- we've said we'll be different to the Americans who were bombing and strafing villages, then behaved exactly like them."
Where the author falls flat, in my opinion, is when he begins to pon...more
Tanner is clearly interested in some periods more than others. Up until discussing US involvement in the region, the book felt rushed and became filled with dozens of anti-war arguments I had already heard before, filled with quotes like some British officer saying "We've been grotesquely clumsy -- we've said we'll be different to the Americans who were bombing and strafing villages, then behaved exactly like them."
Where the author falls flat, in my opinion, is when he begins to pon...more
Following the events of September 11, 2001, the world was riveted as American military power contested the legendary warrior culture of Afghanistan. By spring 2002, America began to draw down its forces, its mission accomplished: The Afghan Taliban regime has been overthrown and the terrorists it harbored were on the run. Was America's easy victory proof of its military superiority, or were the Afghans merely eyeing the newcomers as they have watched foreign armies in centuries past, knowing tim...more
Tell me again why anyone suggested that we could 'fix' this place?
The author suggests that Afghanistan may be marginally self-fixable, but the country sure does have a very, very long history of alternately attracting, then trouncing, or at least bleeding neighbors and invaders, including Alexander's Greeks, Persians, Romans, Sikhs, Mughals, the British, the Soviets, and a few other empires you've probably never heard of.
This is a hefty, but really interesting read, with plenty of narrative deta...more
The author suggests that Afghanistan may be marginally self-fixable, but the country sure does have a very, very long history of alternately attracting, then trouncing, or at least bleeding neighbors and invaders, including Alexander's Greeks, Persians, Romans, Sikhs, Mughals, the British, the Soviets, and a few other empires you've probably never heard of.
This is a hefty, but really interesting read, with plenty of narrative deta...more
[Audio] Very interesting in its sweep and does much to explain why the state of Afghanistan. Did not know that Afghanistan was, in a sense, the Levant crossroads area between India/China and the Middle-East/Europe. Explains why it was so contested before sea-faring powers arose.
After reading this, part of me says get out of the country and leave it alone! But that runs the risk of a Taliban/Al-Quada resurgence.
Anyway, terrific book that helps set Afghanistan in the context of the larger world,...more
After reading this, part of me says get out of the country and leave it alone! But that runs the risk of a Taliban/Al-Quada resurgence.
Anyway, terrific book that helps set Afghanistan in the context of the larger world,...more
انا مدينة لهذا الكتاب بالكثير علي كم المعلومات التي به. بداية من الإسكندر مرورا بالمغول,الذين جعلوني اتألم من هول الفظائع التي أرتكبوها. الإ ان هذا لا يمنع من أنه كانت توجد بعض المعلومات المضحكة مثل , أن هولاكو كان له اخ يدعي مانجو الي جانب أن المغول أحتلوا الروس لمدة 200 عام!! ولكن ما ان لبث المغول يدخلون فى الدين الإسلامي و ايضا بسبب تأثرهم بالحضارات الأخري مثل الفرس حتي تحولوا من هذا الشعب البربري كان يحرق و يغرق البلاد التي يغزوها الي شعبا أكثر تحضرا فمثلا بابور شيد تاج محل
ثم بعد ذلك تعرض ال...more
ثم بعد ذلك تعرض ال...more
Aug 02, 2011
Ted Gault
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Historians, Sociologists, Anthropologists, Afghanistan haters
Book stores and libraries are littered with books on the modern American, Soviet, and British forays into Afghanistan, but this book gives a rare perspective on Afghanistan's cultural-historic past from Alexander's conquests over two thousand years ago, to the present.
As it turns out, Afghanistan's near ungovernability is not a recent development, but an intrinsic feature that has existed since the beginning of written history. This is not due to a barbaric culture as many unfortunately believe...more
As it turns out, Afghanistan's near ungovernability is not a recent development, but an intrinsic feature that has existed since the beginning of written history. This is not due to a barbaric culture as many unfortunately believe...more
Oct 07, 2011
Ken Moten
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction-stuff,
history-stuff
I have to say I liked this book. IT really offered a good look into the history of campaigns into Afghanistan. It did drag in some parts but the story itself was still fascinating and it really puts in to prospective how one wages in Afghanistan.
Now according to the history of warfare in this country (according to the author) there was really only one group that had any coherent success in Afghanistan. You see, while invading the land of the Afghans was easy occupying and leaving it is where ev...more
Now according to the history of warfare in this country (according to the author) there was really only one group that had any coherent success in Afghanistan. You see, while invading the land of the Afghans was easy occupying and leaving it is where ev...more
Haunting in our current situation.
This book does a nice one-volume job of summarizing Afghanistan's military history from Alexander the Great's adventures in the area all the way up to the current round of conflicts there.
The chapter on Ghengis Khan's exploits in the area is excellent, as is the chapter on the Durrani Empire, the first homegrown empire. The chapters on the British expeditions / invasions (both the first and second) were absolutely chilling, as was the summary of the Soviet invas...more
This book does a nice one-volume job of summarizing Afghanistan's military history from Alexander the Great's adventures in the area all the way up to the current round of conflicts there.
The chapter on Ghengis Khan's exploits in the area is excellent, as is the chapter on the Durrani Empire, the first homegrown empire. The chapters on the British expeditions / invasions (both the first and second) were absolutely chilling, as was the summary of the Soviet invas...more
Nov 05, 2007
Mike
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
military history buffs
Shelves:
mid-east
You know the writing is good when you hope "they" get out before disaster strikes, even when you know this is history and not fiction. The description of the British mission in 1840-42 is "edge of the seat". The writing is excellent, just the right amount of detail (could use a few more comprehensive maps). Some great anecdotes and side stories in a fascinating tour of this key region. This book is an argument for good marketing plan. The cover is boring and no blurbs to grab attention. Looks li...more
In the authors view, Afghanistan is not really a country, but a collection of tribes that really want to be independent and allowed to fight each other as they wish. The borders were drawn by the British to keep Russia away from India and split the largest tribe in two different countries. The fighting strength is the people of the country not the people of the cities. A difficult place to get out of once you stick your head into the honey jar.
An overview of military history in Afghanistan. I don't know enough about the topic to comment on how accurate or complete it was. I did find out how little of the initial move into Afghanistan I remember. It was quite interesting to read the final chapter and afterword written in 2002. The author comments on the "end" of American involvement in the region and gives his opinion on how Afghanistan can establish a workable government.
I know I'm supposed to love this book, but it is exactly what it promises: a comprehensive military history. And, wow, I don't enjoy military history. When Tanner gets around to analysis, he is pithy--and very smart. But along the way, we have to learn about every gun shot. Yawn. Also, I find his conclusion pretty thin: "We can't shot our way out of ...." --essentially concluding that the study of military history in AF only leads to understand the limitations of a military solution. Better to r...more
After reading Kite Runner, Splendor of a Thousand Suns, and Three Cups of Tea, my interest in the history of the area was piqued. This excellent overview of 2500 years of invasion and resistance has proved to be a very readable discussion of military actions in Afghanistan from Alexander to the Taliban -- an interesting, detailed overview. Good quote: The democratic genie needs to be let out of the bottle gradually, lest its first fumes overwhelm all those nearby.
كتاب جميل يتحدث فيه عن التاريخ العسكري لافغانستان من الكسندر الاكبر حتى طالبان ، الكاتب اسلوبه بسيط و جميل ، لكن يفتقد الكتاب للاسلوب التاريخي في نظري ، في بعض صفحات الكتاب أحس بأني أقرأ خبر مفصل لا كتاب تاريخي ، و بينهما فرق و إن كان بسيط. و لكن الكتاب عموما جميل و يحمل معلومات قيمة.
To call this a military history of Afghanistan is somewhat of a misnomer. It really is a review of several periods of history with Afghanistan as a backdrop. If you know nothing of Alexander the Great and why he should have found himself in Afghanistan, this book will tell you all you want to know about Alexander. Ditto for Genghis Khan, Tamerlane, the Moghuls, etc.
As such the book is more a retelling of history as opposed to analysis. However, the bibliography looks like a good place to find ot...more
As such the book is more a retelling of history as opposed to analysis. However, the bibliography looks like a good place to find ot...more
Solid, detailed military history of a country with a lot of military history. Heavily researched and well-written. Worth th read if you are trying to wrap your head around this country- actually goes into detail in the time period where Afghans conquered what is now Pakistan and northern India.
2,400 years worth of military history. Take notes for yourself if you want to get anything out of the first 2,200 years, because there's no way on earth you'll keep all the parties straight. Provides some nice perspective on the current conflict.
An excellent military history of Afghanistan. Until you get to the end. Once he starts on the American involvement, he follows the approved version. Best read Steven Coll's Ghost Wars for a better take on things prior to 9/11
A good history of the many invasions of Afghanistan. A little too detailed in places, and a little light in others, but given that it covers everything from Alexander to the Americans, it's not bad.
This book was okay. It looks at the history of Afghanistan from a military perspective. I mainly read it for the period from WWII on which explained quite abit about the current situation. I skimmed the first part becasue I really had no interest in Alexander the Great and Ghengis Khan. I would have preferred a book that handled just the more recent history.
I learned a ton! This book was well-written (except for maybe the last chapter), and made me really glad to live in the US now instead of in Asia during the time of Genghis Khan or Tamerlane. Recommend it if you ever want to know more about pre-2003 Afghanistan.
This was my first war history book... I bought it because I was headed to Afghanistan and I wanted to have a better idea of why we are having such a hard time in that country... and to probably give me a chance to understand the people and what they have gone through.
My conclusion at the end of the book and after being on Afghanistan for some time is that this nation will be at war for many... many.. more years to come...
I personally think the book is well written... but I am not sure if I would...more
My conclusion at the end of the book and after being on Afghanistan for some time is that this nation will be at war for many... many.. more years to come...
I personally think the book is well written... but I am not sure if I would...more
I liked the the build up over 2000 years, didn't know much about what happened in Afghanistan at tha time, with Peter HopKirk's Great Game it comes together.
It took me about 6 months to read because it was so dry (loads of names, dates and whatnot), but despite that it was truly a fascinating book. The history of Afghanistan is very interesting and anyone in the military should read it, and anyone with any interest in understanding why things have gone the way the have over the past 12 years should definitely read it.
But again, it's a long book, and not the most entertaining - straight up facts, and for the most part, until the very end, leaves it t...more
But again, it's a long book, and not the most entertaining - straight up facts, and for the most part, until the very end, leaves it t...more
An excellent synopsis of the long and varied history of this ceaselessly war-torn nation. Tanner provides sufficient detail of each era, from Alexander to the rise of the Taliban, to satisfy a general reader of military history without drowning a reader of geopolitics in the technical and organizational details of war. The sections on the ill-fated invasions of the British are especially strong. Less strong are the final chapters dealing with the American strategy post-invasion, as the insurgenc...more
A fascinating overview of the many nations and people groups who have entered Afghanistan from Alexander the Great until the current US led coalition ousting the Taliban. I know so little about that area of the world so this book will prompt me to read more. I had no idea that the people of Nuristan may be remnants of Macedonians who stayed in the area after Alexander the Great. I have no way to know whether Tanner's research is good since I no little about the region. Definitely a good read tho...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
