Robin Brooke-Smith

In 1995 my life took an unexpected turn and I found myself taking up the post of Principal of Edwardes College Peshawar in North West Pakistan. This gave me a ringside seat in the fulcrum of Global Jihad in the build up to 9/11.

I completed my PhD at the University of Birmingham. In 2001 I became Principal of the University of Toronto Schools and in 2010 I was Holgate Research Fellow at Grey College Durham University. Most recently, I was Director of Consultancy Services at the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth at the University of Warwick. My latest book is 'Storm Warning: Riding the Crosswinds in the Pakistan-Afghan Borderlands' is quite a thriller. The Afghan-Pakistan Borderlands are pivotal to international security. They are often dangerous, strategically crucial and little explored by outsiders. This book provides a new perspective on Northwest Pakistan in this first-hand account of my years in this troubled region. Tracing the build-up to 9/11 and the upheaval that has followed, this is a captivating behind-the-scenes look into the regional fulcrum of global jihad. Recounting my experiences as Principal of the prestigious Edwardes College in Peshawar, we explore the creation and growing influence of the Taliban, and see a unique and close-up view into this fascinating area. This book is illuminating reading for all those interested in Pakistan, Afghanistan and the turbulent recent history of the borderlands of the 'AfPak' region.

'An invaluable account of life among the people of the region by someone who

knows and understands the subject at first hand.'

- Michael Palin

'Provides a fascinating close-up of new and important voices in a place and time that gets more critical by the day.'

- Ahmed Rashid, Author of Descent into Chaos (Penguin)

'The realism of the story provides a fascinating avenue for the reader to get

behind the scenes of a place of great importance.'

- Khalid Aziz, former Chief Secretary of NWFP

'Represents a great insight into the everyday life and the challenges in this

tumultuous region.'

- Lord Ahmed of Rotherham