Al Qaida was unable to realize its lethal potential until it found sanctuary in Afghanistan; where Osama bin Laden fled after being expelled from Sudan. But why was the network's sanctuary not attacked before September 2001; especially after the bombing of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998? Abou Zahab and Roy argue that the Taliban was part of a much wider radical Islamist network in the region; whose true center was Pakistan; not Afghanistan. Al Qaida; the Taliban; the Pakistani Deobandis -- all of these groups are based in Pakistan; which continues to serve as the regional hub for Islamist movements and their terrorist offshoots. This indispensable book investigates and explains the almost twenty-five-year gestation of these interlinked radical Islamist networks of Pakistan; Central Asia; and Afghanistan; out of which Al Qaida emerged. Taking into account the networks'divergent histories and doctrinal rifts; the authors lay bare the political contingencies that enabled these disparate Islamist movements to coordinate with the aim of attacking what became their common adversary: the United States.
#317528 in Books 1999Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.24 x 1.32 x 6.27l; 2.10 #File Name: 0231112718656 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. One of the Best Sources of Chinese History in the English-Speaking World.By Thomas J. MartinThis is one of the great seminal works dealing with Chinese history and culture. It enables English-speaking scholars to have a rare; and in depth glimpse into primary source material from the Middle Kingdom. To anyone working with Asian history; this work is a requisite. Primary-source materials like these; presented in an anthology; allow students to get to know the major events of history first-hand. Much to students' surprise; the original texts are both interesting; and not that difficult to grasp. Dr. Thomas J. Martin; Asian Studies; SUNY1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great Condition as DescribedBy PriyanaThis came in great condition as it was described to be (no wrinkles; stains; dog ears; etc.). It's a pretty good book; very huge and lots of sources; but each document isn't that long. It's a useful book for my course (History of Modern East Asia). This focuses on China; Korea; and Japan (my class focuses on the twentieth century but this goes centuries earlier). It also came in in pretty good time; earlier than it said it would with standard shipping.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Two StarsBy DavidDry academia reading. Had to get it for a class; but it was unfortunately dry for a colorful history.
