The American War in Afghanistan: A History

The American War in Afghanistan, by Carter Malkasian, is the first comprehensive history of the longest war in American history, covering the 2001 invasion and after, the resurgence of the Taliban, the Obama-era surge, the various resets in strategy, and the US exit in 2021. The Taliban now run the country, having achieved the victory they always thought inevitable.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The American war in Afghanistan, which began in 2001 and ended in 2021, stands as the longest armed conflict in the nation's history. In his groundbreaking work, The American War in Afghanistan, Carter Malkasian offers the first comprehensive account of this protracted conflict. Drawing upon a wealth of local expertise and a diverse array of primary sources, Malkasian traverses the war's various phases: the 2001 invasion and its aftermath, the resurgence of the Taliban in 2006, the Obama-era surge, the subsequent strategic resets from 2011 onward, culminating in the US exit from the war in 2021, and the tragic conclusion.

Today, the Taliban reign supreme in Afghanistan, achieving the victory they always believed inevitable. While the al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed, and no major attack on American soil occurred after 2001, the United States failed to bring an end to the violence or transfer control of the war to the Afghan authorities, who ultimately failed to survive without the support of US military forces. This revised paperback edition delves into the reasons behind the war's disappointing outcome and provides a detailed account of the war's final chapter.

As a profound and comprehensive portrayal of the conflict, The American War in Afghanistan will continue to serve as the authoritative account for years to come. Malkasian's meticulous research and insightful analysis shed light on the complexities of this protracted war, offering valuable insights into its historical, political, and social dimensions. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the longest war in American history and its profound implications for the region and the world.

Weight: 788g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197645499