I have just read the new Andy McNab book "War Torn". Its a great story that portrays the harshness for soldiers in Afghanistan. Reserve it now
http://lib.burdekin.qld.gov.au/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/H5RgoMJhlQ/AYR/319980006/9 then click reserve this item.
Fiction is always good for entertainment; however it is important to separate make believe from reality (especially when this story is based on the current conflict in Afghanistan).
ReplyDeleteThe recent leak (links below) of inelegance documents shows the true devastation faced by the Afghan people and the toll this war has taken on their country.
Readers who are interested might like:
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/awful-truth-on-scale-of-afghan-civilian-deaths-20100727-10u8q.html
http://www.wikileaks.org/
And perhaps look at reading:
The Origins of Conflict in Afghanistan by Jeffery Roberts.
# ISBN-10: 0275978788
# ISBN-13: 978-0275978785
(Not available in Burdekin Library collection)
Review
“Unlike many other recent books on the past 26 years of conflict and warfare in Afghanistan, this historical account begins well before the 1978 revolution. Roberts does not consider the three Anglo-Afghan wars and subsequent isolation of Afghanistan to be mere historical background for understanding alleged Afghan xenophobia and a stereotypical (and frequently invidious) reputation for 'ferocity.' Instead, he presents the thesis that Afghanistan might have become a willing ally of the West if more attention had been devoted to its national interests and economic needs.... This excellent historical study is a valuable antidote to the spate of instant-analysis publications that have typically underanalyzed the U.S.'s role in allowing the Taliban to take over Afghanistan and remain in power for six years. Highly recommended. All levels and libraries.”–Choice
“[A] historical synopsis of Afghanistan's tortuous history from the beginning of the First Afghan War (1836-1842) through the eve of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979. The strength of this book is obvious from the start. Dr. Roberts provides a clear, concise background on how Afghanistan fragmented due largely in part to its geographic co-location with British-controlled India and the expanding Russian empire....Dr. Roberts is to be commended for writing this excellent book....This is, undoubtedly, the single best book on U.S.-Afghan relations and should be in every diplomat's library that deals with Afghanistan.”–Journal of Slavic Military Studies
“Historian Jeffery Roberts has written a detailed, fully researched political and diplomatic study.... With a scholarly thoroughness and attention to detail, Roberts documents the tentative, post-WWII steps taken by the United States to address a regional power vacuum created by the fading of the British Empire. He outlines the missed opportunities and limited visions of U.S. diplomacy and strategic thinking that contributed to the political context of Afghanistan's recent tragic past.”–Middle East Journal
Book Description
Clarifies the origins of Afghanistan's current dilemma and offers guidance for future policy.
Thank you for the book suggestion it will be lookeed at when our next suppler visit occurs.
ReplyDeleteHi, We thought you would like to know that your suggested title was ordered yesterday.
ReplyDeleteExcellent thanks for looking at my feeback! Nice to see social network is playing a part in your library! I hope your members enjoy the book! :)
ReplyDelete