Military History of Afghanistan

Historically, Afghanistan has, more often than not, found itself embroiled in the power struggles of nations far beyond its borders. It has certainly played a key role in international politics throughout the 20th century. A Military History of Afghanistan: Between the Hammer and the Anvil tells a harrowing tale that should be a sobering read for historians and political leaders in the West who believe that Afghanistan can be remade in our image. Even now, with a fledgling democracy in place, the real power in Afghanistan remains with warlords like Rashid Dostum, a veteran of much Soviet and American support. It is this sort of complexity that has always informed Afghanistan's military history and that continues to affect events in that country. Often taking a back seat to hostilities in Iraq, Afghanistan is already being called "the forgotten war." Yet, the West will likely remain engaged in Afghanistan for the foreseeable future, underscoring the value of the lessons presented here.