Saikal: What fate awaits Afghanistan?

Professor Amin Saikal’s latest book Modern Afghanistan: A History of Struggle and Survival will be launched today by Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC QC at The Australian National University.

Modern Afghanistan addresses the evolution of Afghan history and politics from the middle of the 18th century to the present day.

Professor Saikal, Director of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies (the Middle East and Central Asia) in the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, said Afghanistan is the only country in the world that has gained the dubious reputation of having been invaded by the three major powers of the last two centuries: Great Britain, the Soviet Union and the United States.

“The US-led NATO intervention, commencing in October 2001 and continuing to date, has failed to achieve its original main objective of generating a stable, secure and democratic Afghanistan,” he said.

“Some of the questions I raise in my book include: what has made Afghanistan so attractive to foreign powers? Why have these powers failed in fulfilling their goals? What fate is awaiting the current US-led NATO campaign and Afghanistan itself for the foreseeable future?”

Modern Afghanistan: A History of Struggle and Survival has been chosen by The Wall Street Journal as one of the “Five Best” books on Afghanistan.

What:      Official launch of Modern Afghanistan: A History of Struggle and Survival

When:     5.30 – 6.30pm, Thursday 20 September 2012

Where:    Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, Ellery Crescent, ANU

For interviews: Professor Amin Saikal – 02 6125 4982

For media assistance: Katharine Pierce – 02 6125 7988 / 0416 249 221