The Wars of Afghanistan: Messianic Terrorism, Tribal Conflicts, and the Failures of Great Powers

Product DescriptionAs Ambassador and Special Envoy on Afghanistan from 1989 to 1992, Peter Tomsen has had close relationships with Afghan leaders and has dealt with senior Taliban, warlords, and religious leaders involved in the regions conflicts over the last two decades. Now Tomsen draws on a rich trove of never-before-published material to shed new light on the American involvement in the long and continuing Afghan war. This book offers a deeply informed perspective on how Afghanistans history as a shatter zone for foreign invaders and its tribal society have shaped the modern Afghan narrative. It brings to life the appallingly misinformed secret operations by foreign intelligence agencies, including the Soviet NKVD and KGB, the Pakistani ISI, and the CIA. American policy makers, Tomsen argues, still do not understand Afghanistan; nor do they appreciate how the CIAs covert operations and the Pentagons military strategy have strengthened extremism in the country. At this critical time, he shows how the U.S. and the coalition it leads can assist the region back to peace and stability.ReviewLee H. Hamilton, former congressman and co-chair of the 9/11 CommissionThe Wars of Afghanistan is a richly detailed account that places current U.S. interests in Afghanistan in the historical, political, and cultural context of this troubled land. Peter Tomsens compelling analysis of Afghan leaders and tribal politics makes this book invaluable to the policy maker. His wise and carefully considered policy blueprintbasically, America will still help and America is withdrawingserves American interests and uplifts Afghanistan.Chuck Hagel, United States Secretary of DefenseThe authenticity of Tomsens Afghanistan experiences, knowledge, and analysis is the foundation of a superbly well-written and documented presentation of an astoundingly complicated part of the world. He brings remarkable clarity to a very complex story. Tomsens book is the most current, informed, and complete Afghanistan publication in the market today and maybe ever. It is not an exaggeration to say that he has created a masterpiece. Its that good.Steve Coll, author of The Bin Ladens and Ghost WarsPeter Tomsen has a depth of understanding and knowledge about the history of Afghanistan that makes him a unique asset in our effort to grapple with the multiple conflicts and intricate politics in what has turned out to be Americas longest war.Winston Lord, former Assistant Secretary of StateAccolades like magisterial, definitive, and vital should be reserved for rare books like Peter Tomsens The Wars of Afghanistan. Few Americans are as knowledgeable about that tormented lands past; none have been more savvy or prescient about its unrolling future. Tomsens compelling narrative draws upon meticulous scholarship and virgin archives, personal frontline engagement and close ties with major players. This multilayered volume melds sweeping history, cultural painting, political analysis, governmental battles, dramatic action, and provocative prescriptions. The Wars of Afghanistan is bound to have urgent impact and enduring resonance.San Francisco Chronicle, A Best Book of 2011Peter Tomsen, a former U.S. envoy to the Afghan resistance from 1989 to 1992, reminds us in his sweeping history that the CIA has had a miserable record of understanding the politics of the region. The Wars of Afghanistan is rich with details about his interactions with key players during this critical period. Following the Soviet withdrawal, the United States continued to oppose compromise with the last Afghan communist ruler, Mohammad Najibullah, and to arm the mujahedeen, including figures now fighting the Americans. Drawing on these lessons, Tomsen persuasively calls on Washington to wrest policymaking back from the Pentagon and spy agencies, and advocates U.N. mediation of an Afghan peace process.Publishers Weekly, May 16, 2011Amb