Modern Insurgencies and Counter-Insurgencies explores how unconventional warfare tactics have opposed past and present governments all over the world; from eighteenth-century guerrilla warfare to the urban terrorism of today. Insurgency remains one of the most prevalent forms of conflict and presents a crucial challenge to the international community; governments and the military.In addition to examining the tactics of guerrilla leaders such as Lawrence; Mao; Guevara and Marighela; Modern Insurgencies and Counter-Insurgencies also analyses the counter-insurgency theories of Gallieni; Callwell; Thompson and Kitson. It explores such conflicts as:* the American War of Independence* Napoleon's campaign in Spain* the wars of decolonisation* the superpowers in Vietnam and Afghanistan* conflicts in Northern Ireland; Sierra Leone and Colombia.
#942402 in Books Nichol Postgate 1994-07-10 1994-05-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.69 x .89 x 7.44l; 2.39 #File Name: 0415110327392 pagesEarly Mesopotamia Society and Economy at the Dawn of History
Review
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Gerald KingGreat!!!49 of 50 people found the following review helpful. A 'must' for all serious students of ancient Mesopotamia.By Robert SpenderPostgate has written an extremely helpful volume for students of ancient Near Eastern history and culture. It is a scholarly work yet quite readable. His emphasis upon geographical and environmental factors is refreshing and fills a needed gap at this level. Brief citations from contemporanious texts provide helpful illustrations along the way. Always conservative in his own estimation; Postgate provides a variety of alternative solutions to problems and questions raised by the evidence. He does not hesitate; however; to challenge prevailing views where the evidence suggests an alternative like the central role of the temple vs. the palace in this ancient economic setting. The book opens with a historical survey and moves on to provide an understanding of early Mesopotamian society up to the Old Babylonian period. This is a very fine volume.24 of 31 people found the following review helpful. Excellent; but dry.By Tim G.This is a true scholarly work; exhaustively researched and written by a pre-eminent authority in the field; making it unfortunately very dull. Postgate is unquestionably a master; with a vast knowledge of his field. He leaves no stone unturned; and explores all the critical issues in Mesopotamian archaeology; complete with numerous citations from cuneiform texts. However; being a true academic; his writing is very dry and sometimes awkward; making it difficult to stay awake when reading. Postgate provides detailed information and insightful commentaries on all aspects of Mesopotamian life; making this a worthwhile read. One can't help but wonder however; if the Mesopotamians weren't somewhat more exciting than Postgate's writing makes them.
