PDF Tituba; Reluctant Witch of Salem: Devilish Indians and Puritan Fantasies (American Social Experience Series) by Elaine G. Breslaw in History

Description

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.