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The Duel: Pakistan On The Flight Path Of American Power (2008)

by Tariq Ali(Favorite Author)

3.85 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

1416561013 (ISBN13: 9781416561019)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Scribner

review 1: An excellent overview of the history of political power in Pakistan - from pre-Partition through to Musharraf. (That's the one caveat: the book was published before Musharraf stepped down, so it isn't quite up to date with current events.) Ali obviously has a history and vested interest in Pakistan - that's what makes The Duel incredibly engaging, with its anecdotes and awareness of political culture & society, and indeed Ali's personal relationships with many of the people in power. It does also mean that it isn't quite an objective analysis - though Ali never hides his political and ideological biases. In many ways, it's a book that would be impossible to write without this level of entanglement. A very readable and engaging insight into not only the ways in which Americ... morean politics, resources and money have influenced Pakistan - but also the intellectual response of some in the subcontinent to this influence. The Duel is cynical and opinionated, but never hectoring - well worth a read. (Obviously, personally fascinating to read about the partition and various Indo-Pak wars from a Pakistani perspective as well!)
review 2: I have just finished this book; and now I find myself not only more knowledgeable about the real situation in Pakistan and it's military history; but I can also understand why my Pakistani friends are critical of their military. If you want to know one point of view on Pakistan's history tracing from its separation from the erstwhile Indian state; the role of military in its politics - then you should read this book. Tariq Ali is an acclaimed journalist and writer; and he has put together this read using numerous references including some of his own pervious works. While this might be only one side of the story, it is worth a read. less

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