Fundamentalism Reborn? - by William Maley (Paperback)

Number of Pages: 253
Genre: Political Science
Sub-Genre: History & Theory
Format: Paperback
Publisher: New York University Press
Age Range: Adult
Author: William Maley
Language: English

About the Book

"A useful analysis of the Taliban and politics and society in Afghanistan today." (Foreign Affairs) "Highly recommended." (Choice) Composed of essays commissioned from the foremost experts on the Taliban, this anthology traces the movement's origins, its ascendance, the reasons for its success, and its role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Book Synopsis

In 1996, the world watched with varying degrees of interest, surprise, and unease as armed, ultra- fundamentalist insurgents overthrew the Afghan government. Within days of their victory, the Taliban, a militant Islamic sect, were issuing draconian religious decrees, restricting women's employment and movement, rounding up Afghans at gunpoint to pray five times a day, and publicly executing political opponents and criminals.
Composed of essays commissioned from the foremost experts on the Taliban, this anthology traces the movement's origins, its ascendance, the reasons for its success, and its role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Crucial to the Taliban's staying power as a governing force will be its relations with neighboring countries and with the West. Interestingly, given their intense hatred of Iran, the Taliban were enthusiastically supported by the U.S. government up to the very moment of their triumphant arrival in Kabul.
Examining yet another country on the brink of ethnic disintegration, Fundamentalism Reborn? is a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the history, rise to power, and future of the most dramatic manifestation of Islamic fundamentalism since the Iranian revolution.

Review Quotes

[It] is an important collection of essays by leading experts on Afghanistan and the Taliban...an invaluable academic resource for anyone seeking to understand how the Taliban came to rule and ruin Afghanistan.-- "Washington Times"

A fascinating and thorough analysis of the very complex political/military situation that evolved in Afghanistan follwing the demise of the Soviet puppet regime in 1992. This volume also provides an insightful study of the rise of a new form of puritanical Islamic fundamentalism that overran Kabul in September 1996namely, the Taliban, and its impact on Afghan society. . . . Highly recommended.-- "Choice"

A useful analysis of the Taliban and politics and society in Afghanistan today. The four chapters on the intensive foreign involvementby Pakistan, the United States, Russian, the Central Asian republics, Saudi Arabia, and Iranshow that the venerable great game once played between Britain and czarist Russia now has multiple players.-- "Foreign Affairs"