The A to Z of Afghan Wars, Revolutions and Insurgencies

Since its founding in 1747, Afghanistan has been besieged by tribal warfare and nearly constant turmoil as the central government has attempted to consolidate control of the country. There have been three Anglo-Afghan wars, battles between the Russian-backed Marxist government in Kabul and a coalition of tribal armies, and a Taliban takeover. Now, in the midst of a war against terrorism, the United States is supporting the current government in yet another struggle in this remote, mountainous region.

The A to Z of Afghan Wars, Revolutions, and Insurgencies traces the information available on the chain of wars stretching over two and a half centuries. It includes the American involvement in Afghanistan since October 2001, as well as individual campaigns, and explores tactics and logistics of skirmishes, weapons used, and leaders involed in the battles. Extensive analysis of regional and ideological divisions within the country and the external forces that have introduced conflict to this area---in addition to a chronology, numerous maps and illustrations, several appendixes, and an extensive bibliography---makes this updated edition an indispensable reference.

Ludwing W. Adamec is a professor of Middle Eastern studies at the University of Arizona and has been director of its Near Eastern Center for ten years. Widely known as a leading authority on Afghanistan, he is the author of a number of reference works on Afghanistan and books on Afghan history, foreign policy, and international relations, including Afghanistan 1900-1923: A Diplomatic History; Afghanistan's Foreign Affairs to the Mid-Twentieth Century; The Six-volume Historical and Political Gazetteer of Afghanistan;Historical Dictionary of Islam; and the A to Z of Islam.