American War in Afghanistan: A History

Carter Malkasian, a renowned scholar-practitioner, has written the first comprehensive history of the American war in Afghanistan, which began in 2001 and is now the longest armed conflict in US history. Drawing from a deep well of local knowledge and primary source documents, Malkasian provides a unique vantage point on the war, highlighting its multiple phases and the ultimate disappointing outcome. The book explains why the US was unable to end the violence or hand off the war to the Afghan authorities, and will remain the authoritative account for years to come.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The American war in Afghanistan, which commenced in 2001, has emerged as the longest military conflict in the nation's history. While it is currently in a phase of winding down, with American troops expected to depart shortly, their departure will mark a nearly two-decade-long presence. In his comprehensive work, "The American War in Afghanistan," Carter Malkasian offers the first thorough account of the entire conflict. Malkasian, renowned for his academic expertise and practical experience, has firsthand knowledge of the Afghan countryside, having served as the senior advisor to General Joseph Dunford, the US military commander in Afghanistan, and later as the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. Drawing from a wealth of local insights, proficiency in Pashto, and a meticulous review of primary source documents, Malkasian traverses the various phases of the war, including the 2001 invasion, the limited American footprint during the 2003 Iraq invasion, the resurgence of the Taliban in 2006, the Obama-era surge, and the subsequent strategic resets that occurred from 2011 onward. Malkasian, who lived through much of these events, provides a unique perspective, drawing from his own experiences to offer a comprehensive analysis of the war.

Today, the Taliban holds significant power and views victory as probable. The ultimate outcome after America's departure remains inherently unpredictable, considering the multitude of actors involved. However, one certainty is that the war did not unfold as the United States had envisioned. While the assassination of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and the absence of major attacks on American soil after 2001 are notable achievements, the United States was unable to bring an end to the violence or successfully transfer control of the war to the Afghans.

The American War in Afghanistan has had far-reaching consequences, both within Afghanistan and globally. It has resulted in significant loss of life, both civilian and military, and has had a profound impact on the country's infrastructure and economy. The war has also raised questions about the effectiveness of military intervention, the role of international organizations, and the sustainability of foreign policies. As the United States prepares to withdraw from Afghanistan, it is crucial to reflect on the lessons learned from this long and complex conflict and to work towards a more peaceful and stable future for the region.

Weight: 990g
Dimension: 166 x 245 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197550779