Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 by Steve Coll Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001
Book Review: Ghost Wars
Summary: 4 Stars
Steve Coll's study "Ghost Wars" is the most comprehensive study of the CIA and other secret services operating in Afghanistan covering the twenty odd years preceding the September 11th attack that I have read so far. The account is based on an impressive bibliography and large number of interviews. It is factual, but the narrative is quite vivid and colourful. Personal interpretations and theorizing are prudently limited, which makes this book preferable in my opinion to other 'historical' accounts such as "Le Royaume de l'Insolence" (Barry), in which the author's personal theses concerning Islam for example (although interesting in their own right) tend to be presented as fact. Both books make very good reading for anyone with a special interest in the history and politics of Afghanistan.Book Review: Impressive
Summary: 5 Stars
In History, the Arts, Sport, etc I am one of those Europeans who regard the U.S. as insular; probably more insular than the old Soviet bloc. As an example, while living in America I bought a collection of "International" Short Stories once, only to find that 60% of the authors were U.S., and a further 35% were from English-speaking nationalities (I am not one for positive discrimination, but in this case I know it not to be necessary). The anthology was good, but the title was inaccurate. Their sports generally refer to their ultimate conclusions as "World" Championships. I could go on ... I am not criticising America - I actually like the place (for example I think they are actually much more self-critical than we give them credit for). I just wish they would read, write, judge, criticise or support as part of the "International" community when they say they are, and not when they are not.In "Ghost Wars" we have at last found an American (I hope) author who writes for the sake of truth-seeking, ambivalent elucidation, as well as creating an eminiently readable factual account. It is not him or his opinion that matters. The "facts" (well, these days who do you believe) are laid out for you without the attention-grabbing techniques of Michael Moore, President Bush, CNN, SKY News, all the newspaper press; the tone is a balanced journalistic style (or how I think it should be defined).
It is such a relief in all senses.