Essential Field Guides to Humanitarian and Conflict Zones: Afghanistan

by Girardet Edward; Walter Jonathan

The Crosslines Essential Field Guide to Afghanistan Is the only detailed guidebook dealing with the current situation in Afghanistan and the region available in English. Although certain elements in the book have been overtaken by recent events, it remains essential reading for all journalists, aid workers, diplomats and military personnel operating in the region, or otherwise interested in Afghanistan. Reporters and aid workers from organizations such as the BBC, CNN, TIME, UNHCR, UNICEF and the International Red Cross have told us that The Crosslines Essential Field Guide to Afghanistan is the still the best thing going for quick and informed background information.

Taking an over 20-year perspective since Afghanistan's ongoing civil war first broke out, the book features political, humanitarian and military analysis, biographies of key Taliban and opposition players, essential information briefs on refugees, ethnic & tribal groups, agriculture, medical relief, drug trafficking, environment, deforestation, landmines, culture etc. It also provides key information on all regions of the country, street maps, advice on personal health, security, as well as clothing and travel gear. Plus phrasebooks in Persian and Pashto, contact details for diplomats, aid agencies and journalists. Specially commissioned essays by leading experts analyse the country's political, military, humanitarian, and cultural situation. All country data was collated through first hand field research the editors. Select updates will soon be available on the Media Action International website.

Editor Edward Girardet is a journalist, documentary filmmaker and former correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor and American public television. He is also editor of Crosslines Global Report as well as author of Afghanistan - the Soviet War and other publications on conflict and humanitarian crises. Co-editor Jonathan Walter, currently editor of the World Disasters Report, is a writer on humanitarian affairs and a former officer with the British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas.

524 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

Reviews

[DoctorM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've owned two editions of this--- one purchased just after the Afghan war began in 2001, and an updated one purchased in 2005. It's both a history of the country and a guide for relief/humanitarian workers being sent there, and it's full of data on local culture, what to bring, what the risks are, and how to cope. A very useful and sober and seriously written piece of work. Recommended even if you'll never be trying to rebuild a village in Nuristan or navigate Kabul after dark.

[Paco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best overview and introduction to Afghanistan and most of its issues. A few of the things are getting a little out of date of course, but this is a good guide both for people interested and people working here. Might be 5 stars except that it is too dern expensive.