Product Description

This is a revised up-to-date edition of the only complete military history of Afghanistan containing the most recent information about Taliban resurgence. For over 2,500 years, the forbidding territory of Afghanistan has served as a vital crossroads for armies and has witnessed history-shaping clashes between civilizations - Greeks, Arabs, Mongols, and Tartars, and in more recent times, Britain, Russia, and America. Following the events of September 11, 2001, British and American troops entered this land - land that for centuries has become a graveyard of empires. By spring 2002, the Afghan Taliban regime had been defeated, and the terrorists it harboured were on the run. But the allies' easy victory then is in sharp contrast to the difficulties they face today as they confront the Taliban's resurgence. Is it possible that Afghans were merely eyeing the newcomers in 2001 as they had watched foreign armies in centuries past, knowing time is on their side?Afghanistan illuminates the broad historical context into which our forces have been drawn - a cautionary tale, perhaps, about the dangers that confront the West today. Completely up-to-date this new edition will contain new information about the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, and cover events since then, up to the present day. It is one of a kind: the only complete single-volume military history of Central Asia's most contested territory available in the market today. With the conflict that is now upon us, readers will want to understand Afghanistan's past confrontations with greater powers. In-depth military analysis of past confrontations in Afghanistan, with special emphasis on the Soviet experience, will provide valuable insights into the current conflict.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7288 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 392 pages

Review
"clear and informative...f)ew will dispute Tanner's view that Western military strength alone cannot solve today's Afghan problems."

--Soldier

About the Author
Stephen Tanner is a military historian and freelance writer: His previous works include Epic Retreats: and Refuge from the Reich. He lives in Long Island, New York.

Customer Reviews

Afghanistan
I have just read this book whilst serving in Afghanistan and I must say it is an excellent read! It covers all the major historical events as advertised and gives an interesting account of the horrors faced by the British during their 1840 campaign. Although advertised as a history book, it is very easy to read, I could not put it down. Highly recommended!

A good introduction to the history of Afghanistan
This book has a huge scope from Alexander the great to the present days ,it covers more than 2000 years of human conflict.

Due to the lack of written records there are many gaps int the time line but it picks up very well with the arrival of the British in the early 19th century.

The book is easy to read and it can be read in a weekend.

Stephan Tanner has done a great job by putting all the different stories together. Illustrated with pictures and maps B&W.

The one minor problem with the book is the absence of one clear map with ALL the features mentioned in the book.

Afghanistan: A Military History from Alexander The Great to The Fall of The Taliban

Students of history both political and military would do well to read this book. Stephen Tanner has caught the essence of this wild country perfectly. This book should be compulsory reading for every military commander BEFORE he goes to Afghanistan. More importantly, the Government would do well to note what has happened to those who have tried to occupy this country and what the outcome was over the centuries.