Summary

Located along the busy trade routes between Asia and Europe, Afghanistan was for centuries a place where a diverse set of cultures met and exchanged goods and ideas. It was also a country on the paths of many invaders, including Alexander the Great, Ashoka, and the Scythians, Parthians, Kushans, and the Ephthalites, or White Huns. All of these peoples have left their mark on the land, forming one of the most diverse societies in the world. In modern times, Afghanistan was invaded by the Soviet Union and then suffered a decade of civil war and rule by the Taliban, which was brought to an end by the United States in 2001. Afghanistan's economy has been devastated as a result of three years of drought and the continuous wars of the past decades. A Brief History of Afghanistan provides a clear, concise account of this country's historical and cultural heritage, from 3000 BCE to the present. Comprehensive coverage examines the history of the country, its diverse peoples, its culture, and its political and economic situation. Current events, such as the attempts by the government to improve the country's security and economy and to establish a strong central government, are also included. Engaging sidebars, maps, illustrations, and tables are placed throughout the text, helping readers gain a better understanding of Afghanistan's history and peoples. This invaluable guide is perfect for those hoping to improve their knowledge of this country's tumultuous past and uncertain future.

Author Biography

Shaista Wahab is in charge of the Arthur Paul Afghanistan Collection at the University Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha

List of Illustrations	p. vi
List of Maps	p. vii
List of Charts	p. vii
Introduction: The Challenge of Afghanistan	p. viii
Land and People	p. 1
Early History (Prehistory-651)	p. 31
From the Rise of Islam to the Afghan State (651-1747)	p. 51
The Birth of Modern Afghanistan (1747-1901)	p. 71
Twentieth-Century Monarchy (1901-1973)	p. 98
A Coup and a Revolution (1973-1978)	p. 129
Soviet Afghanistan (1979-1989)	p. 149
Afghanistan in Rebellion (1978-1992)	p. 171
Mujahideen Rule (1992-1996)	p. 195
The Taliban Era (1996-2001)	p. 212
The Legacy of the Civil War	p. 227
Overcoming the Legacy	p. 238
Appendixes
Basic Facts	p. 257
Chronology	p. 262
Bibliography	p. 268
Suggested Reading	p. 272
Index	p. 291
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Supplemental Materials

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

Excerpts

Located along the busy trade routes between Asia and Europe, Afghanistan was for centuries a place where a diverse set of cultures met and exchanged goods and ideas. It was also a country on the paths of many invaders, including Alexander the Great, Ashoka, and the Scythians, Parthians, Kushans, and the Ephthalites, or White Huns. All of these peoples have left their mark on the land, forming one of the most diverse societies in the world. In modern times, Afghanistan was invaded by the Soviet Union and then suffered a decade of civil war and rule by the Taliban, which was brought to an end by the United States in 2001. Afghanistan's economy has been devastated as a result of three years of drought and the continuous wars of the past decades.
A Brief History of Afghanistan provides a clear, concise account of this country's historical and cultural heritage, from 3000 BCE to the present. Comprehensive coverage examines the history of the country, its diverse peoples, its culture, and its political and economic situation. Current events, such as the attempts by the government to improve the country's security and economy and to establish a strong central government, are also included. Engaging sidebars, maps, illustrations, and tables are placed throughout the text, helping readers gain a better understanding of Afghanistan's history and peoples. This invaluable guide is perfect for those hoping to improve their knowledge of this country's tumultuous past and uncertain future.
Coverage includes:
The Rise of Islam to the Afghan State
The Birth of Modern Afghanistan
Twentieth-Century Monarchy
Two Revolutions
Soviet Afghanistan
Afghanistan in Rebellion
Mujahideen Rule
The Taliban Era
The Legacy of the Civil War
The Post-Taliban Era.