The Hidden War: A Russian Journalist's Account of the Soviet War in Afghanistan
by Artyom Borovik

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Book Reviews of The Hidden War: A Russian Journalist's Account of the Soviet War in Afghanistan

Book Review: An excellent insight into the Soviet War in Afghanistan
Summary: 4 Stars

The author documents the thoughts, of not just ordinary Russian soldiers but of their senior field commanders, all of who talk candidly of the worsening situation and the inability to win the hearts and minds of the local population. In one Candid interview with an Afghan Colonel the future of the Soviet withdrawal and the ensuing infighting between the Mujaheddin is predicted well in advance of the actual events.

However whilst I enjoyed the book immensely I thought that some of the original fluency has been lost in the translation from Russian to English, and the reader is taken too quickly from situation to situation or place to place without a great deal of explanation. This can be confusing but shouldn't be allowed to ruin the book.

Overall the book is a real soldier's tale and gives you a great insight into the mindset of combat soldiers serving in a foreign country, in a war they don't believe in, with an enemy they can't see. A cautionary tale for any superpower or occupying force that believes they are invulnerable. I would recommend anyone with an interest in the demise of the Soviet Union, Afghanistan, the roots of modern day extremism to read it.

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