Afghanistan, Highway of Conquest by Arnold Fletcher

Afghanistan, Highway of Conquest by Arnold Fletcher is a history of Afghanistan from the 18th century through the books publication date of 1963. Unlike most books that deal with Afghan history the book tries to describe a history of Afghanistan from the perspective of the Afghanis. The author was an American adviser to the Education Ministry.

One interesting point which I'll have to look into further is that in the first conflict between the British and Afghanis the British paid for the assassination of tribal leaders who did not agree with them. Apparently this is a no-no. Bribing individuals or groups for support or to stay neutral is all right but paying for assassination is not. This perhaps explains why no one has taken up the reward on bin Laden's head.

Interesting work recommended.

For more Afghanistan book reviews take a look at My Afghanistan bookshelf.