“The Wars of Afghanistan: Messianic Terrorism, Tribal Conflicts, and the Failures of Great Powers” by Peter Tomsen is a book that provides an in-depth analysis of the complex history of Afghanistan, particularly focusing on the last few decades marked by war and conflict. Tomsen, a former U.S. Ambassador and Special Envoy to Afghanistan, uses his expertise and firsthand experiences to explore the interplay of local, regional, and international dynamics that have shaped Afghanistan’s tumultuous history. He examines the roles of various Afghan factions, neighboring countries, and global powers in the ongoing conflicts, offering insights into the challenges and failures of foreign interventions in the country.
About the Author
Peter Tomsen is a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in South Asia and Central Asia. He served as the United States Special Envoy to Afghanistan from 1989 to 1992, during which he engaged deeply with Afghan leaders and factions. His career in the U.S. Foreign Service spanned several decades, during which he held various significant positions, including ambassador to Armenia and assignments in India, China, and the Soviet Union. Tomsen’s expertise in Afghan affairs is widely recognized, and his insights draw from his firsthand experiences and deep understanding of the region’s geopolitical complexities. His work, including “The Wars of Afghanistan,” reflects his comprehensive knowledge and nuanced perspective on the country’s enduring conflicts.
The Wars of Afghanistan: Book Summary
Peter Tomsen’s book, “The Wars of Afghanistan,” is an in-depth look at the country’s long history of conflict. The book covers the last few decades, focusing on wars and tribal conflicts. Tomsen, a former U.S. Ambassador, draws from his own experiences. He explains how local, regional, and global dynamics have shaped Afghanistan.
The book begins with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. It details the resistance by Afghan fighters, known as the Mujahideen. Tomsen shows how the United States supported these fighters to counter the Soviet Union. The war ended with the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, but it left Afghanistan in chaos.
Tomsen then covers the rise of the Taliban in the 1990s. He explains how they took power and imposed strict Islamic law. The book describes the impact of the Taliban’s rule on Afghan society. It also highlights the role of foreign powers, including Pakistan, in supporting the Taliban.
The 9/11 attacks brought Afghanistan back into the global spotlight. Tomsen explains the U.S. invasion in 2001 and the overthrow of the Taliban. He details the challenges faced by the U.S. and its allies in rebuilding the country. The book examines the ongoing conflict and the resurgence of the Taliban.
Tomsen also explores the concept of “messianic terrorism.” He describes how extremist groups use religion to justify violence. The book delves into the impact of this ideology on the Afghan conflict. It highlights the role of tribal conflicts and the challenges of uniting diverse ethnic groups.
The book concludes with an analysis of the failures of great powers in Afghanistan. Tomsen criticizes the lack of understanding and misguided policies. He offers insights into what could have been done differently. The book serves as a cautionary tale for future foreign interventions.
Book Review of The Wars of Afghanistan
Peter Tomsen’s book on Afghanistan is a must-read for anyone interested in the region’s history. “The Wars of Afghanistan” is well-researched and insightful. Tomsen’s firsthand experience adds depth to the narrative. This book provides a comprehensive overview of Afghanistan’s conflicts.
One of the book’s strengths is its detailed analysis of the Soviet invasion. Tomsen explains how the U.S. supported the Mujahideen. He provides a clear picture of the complexities involved. The book also shines in its coverage of the Taliban’s rise to power. Tomsen’s insights into the group’s ideology and impact are valuable.
The section on the post-9/11 era is particularly relevant. Tomsen explains the challenges faced by the U.S. in rebuilding Afghanistan. He offers a candid assessment of what went wrong. This part of the book is a crucial read for understanding current events.
Tomsen’s exploration of “messianic terrorism” is thought-provoking. He delves into how extremist groups use religion for violence. This analysis adds a unique perspective to the Afghan conflict. The book also highlights the role of tribal conflicts. Tomsen explains how these internal divisions complicate efforts to build a unified nation.
The book’s critique of foreign interventions is compelling. Tomsen argues that great powers failed to understand Afghanistan. He offers lessons for future policy-makers. This makes the book not just a history but also a guide for the future.
In conclusion, “The Wars of Afghanistan” by Peter Tomsen is an essential read. It provides a thorough understanding of Afghanistan’s history and conflicts. This book review recommends it for anyone interested in the region. Tomsen’s book on Afghanistan is both informative and insightful. It offers a clear-eyed view of the challenges and failures in the country. This is a key addition to any library on international affairs.
Related Books
- “Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001” by Steve Coll
This book provides a detailed account of the CIA’s involvement in Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion to the eve of the 9/11 attacks. - “The Great Gamble: The Soviet War in Afghanistan” by Gregory Feifer
Feifer’s book offers an in-depth analysis of the Soviet Union’s ill-fated invasion and occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s. - “Descent into Chaos: The United States and the Failure of Nation Building in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia” by Ahmed Rashid
Rashid examines the failures of U.S. policies in Afghanistan and Pakistan, offering insights into the region’s ongoing instability. - “No Good Men Among the Living: America, the Taliban, and the War through Afghan Eyes” by Anand Gopal
Gopal’s book provides a ground-level view of the Afghan war, focusing on the lives of individuals caught in the conflict. - “The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11” by Lawrence Wright
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book traces the rise of al-Qaeda and the events leading up to the September 11 attacks, with a focus on Afghanistan’s role.
The Wars of Afghanistan: Book Details
FROM AMAZON: As Ambassador and Special Envoy on Afghanistan from 1989 to 1992, Peter Tomsen has had close relationships with Afghan leaders and has dealt with senior Taliban, warlords, and religious leaders involved in the region’s conflicts over the last two decades. Now Tomsen draws on a rich trove of never-before-published material to shed new light on the American involvement in the long and continuing Afghan war.
This book offers a deeply informed perspective on how Afghanistan’s history as a “shatter zone” for foreign invaders and its tribal society have shaped the modern Afghan narrative. It brings to life the appallingly misinformed secret operations by foreign intelligence agencies, including the Soviet NKVD and KGB, the Pakistani ISI, and the CIA.
American policy makers, Tomsen argues, still do not understand Afghanistan; nor do they appreciate how the CIA’s covert operations and the Pentagon’s military strategy have strengthened extremism in the country. At this critical time, he shows how the U.S. and the coalition it leads can assist the region back to peace and stability.
My Goodreads Review:
The Wars of Afghanistan: Messianic Terrorism, Tribal Conflicts, and the Failures of Great Powers by
Peter Tomsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book provides a thorough and insightful analysis of Afghanistan’s conflicts over the last few decades. The author’s firsthand experience adds depth to the narrative, offering clear explanations of complex events. It is a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding the region’s history and the challenges faced by foreign interventions.
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