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The United States and the Failure of Nation Building in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia
Viking Adult
June 2008
On Sale: June 3, 2008
544 pages
ISBN: 0670019704
EAN: 9780670019700
Hardcover
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Non-Fiction Political
The #1 New York Times bestselling author provides a shocking analysis of the crisis in Pakistan and the renewed radicalism threatening Afghanistan and the West. Ahmed Rashid is βPakistanβs best and bravest reporterβ (Christopher Hitchens). His unique knowledge of this vast and complex region allows him a panoramic vision and nuance that no Western writer can emulate. His book Taliban first introduced American readers to the brutal regime that hijacked Afghanistan and harbored the terrorist group responsible for the 9/11 attacks. Now, Rashid examines the region and the corridors of power in Washington and Europe to see how the promised nation building in these countries has pro-gressed. His conclusions are devastating: An unstable and nuclear-armed Pakistan, a renewed alβ Qaeda profiting from a booming opium trade, and a Taliban resurgence and reconquest. While Iraq continues to attract most of American media and military might, Rashid argues that Pakistan and Afghanistan are where the conflict will finally be played out and that these failing states pose a graver threat to global security than the Middle East. Benazir Bhuttoβs assassination and the crisis in Pakistan are only the beginning. Rashid assesses what her death means for the region and the future. Rashid has unparalleled access to the figures in this global drama, and provides up-to-the-minute analysis better than anyone else. Descent Into Chaos will do for Central Asia what Thomas Rickβs Fiasco did for Iraq β offer a blistering critique of the Bush administration and an impassioned call to correct our failed strategy in the region.
 Media BuzzDiane Rehm Show - NPR - May 7, 2009
NewsHour with Jim Lehrer - June 9, 2008
Fresh Air - NPR - June 5, 2008
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