The Origins of Conflict in Afghanistan (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780275978785)

Focusing on Afghanistan's relations with the West during the latter half of the 20th century, this study offers new insights on the long-term origins of the nation's recent tragedies. Roberts finds that, since the 1930s in particular, Afghanistan pursued policies far more complex, and considerably more pro-Western, than previous studies have surmised. By the end of the Second World War, Britain and Afghanistan seemed headed toward an extensive partnership in military and economic affairs. Opportunities to cement Afghanistan to the West existed, but ultimately ran afoul of regional politics, shortsighted policy, and indifference.

The rise of the Indian nationalist movement and the eventual partition of India would have strategic ramifications for Afghanistan. Pakistan and India, weakened and poised against each other, saw no reason to aid the Kabul regime, leaving only the United States as a potential benefactor. Successive American administrations, however, denied most Afghan requests. When the Eisenhower administration extended support to Pakistan, it alienated Afghan leaders, who then chose to broker a deal with the Soviet Union. Roberts analyzes recent American policy toward Afghanistan and its neighbors, clarifying the current situation and offering guidelines for future relations.

Author: Jeffery Roberts
ISBN-10: 0275978788
ISBN-13: 9780275978785
Publisher: Praeger
Language: English
Published: 12/30/2003
Pages: 288
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.30lbs
Size: 9.50h x 6.58w x 1.03d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 09/01/2004 pg. 167