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 11th attacks. Conflict in Afghanistan tackles 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 war's 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 Afghanistan's wars and examines the relevance of these conflicts to the modern-day challenge of counter-insurgency and asymmetric warfare.
Afghanistan and the Afghans -- The failure of diplomacy -- Invasion -- Occupation -- Disaster and withdrawal -- Lord Lytton's folly -- Occupation -- Retreat -- Amanullah's gamble -- The Communist takeover -- The Khalq regime -- The decision to invade -- Invasion and occupation -- Withdrawal -- Aftermath -- The United States, the Taliban, and al Qaida
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