Games without Rules: The Often-Interrupted History of Afghanistan

by Mir Tamim Ansary

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"Games without Rules" by Tamim Ansary is an insightful account of the turbulent history of Afghanistan, from its earliest days as a waystation on the Silk Road to the present day. Ansary argues that Afghanistan's history has been shaped by competing interests, both foreign and domestic, and by the absence of a clearly defined national identity or sense of purpose. The book covers a range of topics, from the rise of the Taliban to the Soviet invasion and subsequent occupation, and provides a nuanced portrayal of the country's complex social, political, and cultural landscape. Throughout, Ansary emphasizes the importance of understanding Afghanistan's history as a means of understanding its present and future.

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