Routledge Studies in Middle Eastern History

Afghan society is analyzed from a fresh standpoint in this book which discusses the countries two and a half centuries of socio-political disquiet and outside interference. The author explores the continuous struggle between the central government and the cornerstone of the present state, the tribes. In its examination of the interchange between the center and the periphery the book presents a compelling review of Afghan history, the role of Islam and the contemporary theories of state, Islam, nationalism, ethnicity, and tribalism.
In addition, the book considers Afghanistan's dynamism and long established custom of dealing with foreign invaders. Covering the Soviet occupation, ethnic conflicts and the US invasion, the book examines Afghan resilience and the capacity to raise an army of fighting men. Written by a well-respected authority on the region, the book highlights past mistakes which should not be repeated and recommendations on the way forward for this troubled nation.
"Nabi Misdaq has a rare blend of skills. As an anthropologist he studied contemporary Afghan society and then worked for many years as a journalist with the BBC's overseas Sevice in which capacity he met and interviewed most of Afghanistan's leading
politicians. Combining these skills with a profound knowledge of Afghan history, he has produced an enthralling study which reveals the fundamental problems encountered by generations of Afghan state, problems which, as Misdaq also shows, still confront tralised Afghanistan's present-day leadership" - "Ralpf Grillo, University of Sussex, " "UK"
""Afghanistan: Political Frailty and Foreign Interference "is a timely book. At a time when the the focus of the world is on the region, it is one of the few anthropological commentaries by a well known native. Nabi Misdaq's book is detailed and insightful. He has established himself as an authority on Afghanistan. I strongly recommend the book." - "Dr. Akbar S. Ahmed, American University, USA"
About the Author
Nabi Misdaq worked for the BBC for nearly two decades as a radio journalist, producer and as head of BBC Pashto Service, broadcasting three times a day to Afghanistan and South Asia. He has also taught Pashto at the George Mason Univeristy in Washington and Inlingua School in Roseland D.C