Descent into Chaos

Rashid, Ahmed

3.95

2,582 ratings by Goodreads

ISBN 10: 1423368061 ISBN 13: 9781423368069

Publisher: Brilliance Audio, 2008

Ahmed Rashid is the voice of reason amid the chaos of Central Asia today. His unique knowledge of this complex, war-torn region gives him a panoramic vision and grasp of nuance that no Western writer can emulate. In Descent Into Chaos, Rashid reviews the regional conditions since 9/11 and the catastrophic aftermath of America’s failed war on terror. The underlying theme is clear, devastating and deeply critical of current U.S. foreign policy. Iraq is essentially a sideshow. Pakistan and Afghanistan are where the war really began. Pakistan remains the crucial resource and key player, and Afghanistan is where the fight against Islamic insurgency is eventually going to be played out. Rashid also brings into clear focus the regional issues of Central Asia that few in our country seem to understand and yet are having a crucial impact on our own security and conduct. Seven years after 9/11, despite the thousands of lives and billions of dollars that have been spent in the region, it is in chaos. Pakistan, unstable and armed with nuclear weapons, has become terrorism central. The Taliban is resurging and reconquering land, and al Qaeda is stronger than ever. And at the heart of these calamities is the United States’ refusal to accept its responsibility for statecraft and nation building and its utter failure to understand the region. Rashid’s blistering critique of American policy is also a warning and an impassioned call to correct our failed strategies. There is no more urgent global task.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:

'A journalist of the highest narrative and analytical gifts' - Max Hastings, Sunday Times 'Compulsively readable' - Justin Marozzi, Evening Standard 'Profound and lively ! it reads like a thriller ! graphic, detailed and worrying ' New Statesman 'Gripping ! a major contribution to understanding the region and the events of recent years ! thought-provoking and important' - Jason Burke, Observer 'His knowledge of events and people there is second to none and the information he has gathered, often at great personal risk, makes alarming reading' - Kim Sengupta, Independent

From the Back Cover:

'Compulsively readable' Justin Marozzi, Evening Standard'

Profound and lively ... it reads like a thriller ... graphic, detailed and worrying' Michael Fathers, New Statesman

The war on terror is being lost - but not just in Iraq. As this devastating book shows, the real crisis zone now lies in central Asia. Veteran reporter Ahmed Rashid has unparalleled access to the region and knows its leading players, from presidents to warlords. Here he documents how closely Pakistan's US-backed regime is linked with extremists; how broken promises in Afghanistan have led to a resurgent Taliban fed by drugs money; and how the largest landmass in the world is now a breeding ground for terrorism.

In this story of squandered opportunities, misguided alliances and double-dealing, Rashid pinpoints with chilling accuracy where the true threat to our global security comes from.

'Gripping ... a major contribution to understanding the region and the events of recent years ... thought-provoking and important' Jason Burke, Observer

'Pakistan's best and bravest reporter' Christopher Hitchens

'His knowledge of events and people there is second to none and the information he has gathered, often at great personal risk, makes alarming reading' Kim Sengupta, Independent

'A superbly researched account of post-9/11 Asia ... outstanding' Sameer Rahim, Daily Telegraph

Pensucla: Politics/Current Events

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.