Conflict in Afghanistan Studies in Asymetric Warfare [Hardcover]

Asymmetric warfare, involving conflicts where smaller powers apply their strengths against the weaknesses of a more powerful opponent, has become a key modern concern since the September 11^thattacks. Conflict in Afghanistantackles this issue by examining the five wars Afghanistan has waged against foreign powers over the past two centuries, all of which have involved forms of asymmetric warfare.

Incorporating contemporary documents and material from Soviet archives, the text analyzes each wars antecedents, conduct, and consequences. Important questions are asked about the role of religious beliefs, fanaticism, diplomacy, governmental decision-making and military competence, issues that have great contemporary relevance. The book provides an illuminating commentary of Afghanistans wars and examines the relevance of these conflicts to the modern-day challenge of counter-insurgency and asymmetric warfare.

Introduction  Part 1: Setting the Scene  1. Afghanistan and the Afghans  Part 2: The First Anglo-Afghan War  2. The Failure of Diplomacy  3. Invasion  4. Occupation  5. Disaster and Withdrawal  Part 3: The Second Anglo-Afghan War  6. Lord Lyttons Folly  7. Occupation  8. Retreat  Part 4: The Third Anglo-Afghan War  9. Amanullahs Gamble  Part 5: The Soviet-Afghan War  10. The Communist Takeover  11. The Khalq Regime  12. The Decision to Invade  13. Invasion and Occupation  14 Withdrawal  15. Aftermath  Part 6: The American Intervention  16. The United States, The Taliban and al Qaida  Part 7: Conclusions