Forty-Year War in Afghanistan: A Chronicle Foretold

Tariq Ali's essays on war and peace in the region reveal his sharpest and most prescient insights. He opposed the Soviet military intervention in 1979 and NATO's Operation Enduring Freedom, describing the tragedies inflicted on Afghanistan and the semi-Talibanisation and militarisation of neighbouring Pakistan. His predictions proved accurate, and the book brings together his best writings with a new introduction.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 12 October 2021
\n Publisher: Verso Books
\n

The NATO occupation of Afghanistan has come to an end, marking a significant milestone in the country's history. It is now possible to assess the impact and outcomes of this prolonged military presence. In this context, a balance sheet can be drawn, shedding light on the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the occupation.

These essays on war and peace in the region provide a valuable insight into the thoughts and perspectives of renowned author and commentator Tariq Ali. Rarely has there been such a widespread display of international unity as the response to the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. In contrast to the Iraq War, which was met with widespread opposition and skepticism, Afghanistan became the "good war," garnering widespread support from countries around the world.

However, the situation in Afghanistan soon turned into a stalemate, with the Taliban managing to hold out against the NATO contingents. The years of conflict and instability have taken a toll on the Afghan people, leaving them traumatized and in need of assistance. As the puppet regime in Kabul has collapsed, questions arise about the future of the country. Will China become the dominant influence in Afghanistan?

Tariq Ali has been closely following the wars in Afghanistan for over four decades. He opposed the Soviet military intervention in 1979, predicting disaster and the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. He was also a fierce critic of the NATO sequel, Operation Enduring Freedom, which he believed was exacerbating the problems in the region. In a series of trenchant commentaries, Ali described the tragedies inflicted on Afghanistan, as well as the semi-Talibanization and militarization of neighboring Pakistan. His predictions, many of which have proven accurate, shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of the conflict.

The Forty Year War in Afghanistan brings together the best of Ali's writings on the subject, including his earlier works and more recent commentaries. It provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the war, its causes, and its consequences. The book also includes a new introduction, providing a fresh perspective on the ongoing challenges and opportunities in Afghanistan.

In conclusion, the NATO occupation of Afghanistan has come to an end, and it is now necessary to assess the impact and outcomes of this prolonged military presence. These essays on war and peace in the region provide valuable insights into the thoughts and perspectives of Tariq Ali, a renowned author and commentator. The future of Afghanistan remains uncertain, but with the support of the international community and the commitment of the Afghan people, it is possible to build a brighter and more prosperous future for the country.

\n Weight: 234g\n
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781839768170\n \n